NEW ERA // Fuel Cell Yacht // Lorenzo Lippi

NEW ERA is the master thesis project by Lorenzo Lippi, who graduated in Naval and Nautical Design at the University of Genoa. He collected experience at the Italian shipyard Tankoa Yachts as a project manager with project ELETTRA.

The project is inspired by the 112m fuel cell yacht AQUA by Sinot, the 62m hydrogen vessel by H2, the Race for Water project, the 65m Watchecho by VSY, and last but not least, the hydrogen racing car H2 Speed by Pininfarina.

Alongside the protection of the environment that becomes more and more important with zero-emission technology, electric propulsion increases the comfort and luxury onboard with the smell of diesel, sound, and vibrations.

The yacht concept features Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) to store the hydrogen. Usually, hydrogen is explosive, must be stored under high-pressure and is highly flammable. LOHC improves these problems and makes it easy to handle.

Electrolyzer and watermaker (to filter out the salt of the seawater), and the onboard electricity are powered by a 240 sqm (96 kW) area of solar panels (there is also a bimini with fabric by Solar Cloth System). The electrolyzer produces 650 liters of hydrogen per hour, 300 liters of water per hour comes from watermaker, and the LOHC box generates 240 liters per hour.

The layout of the traditional with a full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck forward and features a private balcony, bathroom, desk and walk-in closet. The rear part of the main deck houses a formal dining table for up to twelve people, main salon, and beach club.

The lower deck accommodates two VIP and two guest cabins, alongside the crew area—furthermore, the technical rooms for the fuel cells, engines, and LOHC tank storage.

Skylounge, wheelhouse, captain’s cabin and al-fresco dining can be found on the upper deck.