Pair of Vessels Docked in Lower Manhattan Are Part of a Flotilla from the Future
Two ships have recently docked on the Hudson and East Rivers that highlight changing times in maritime travel. In Battery Park City’s North Cove Marina, the Energy Observer arrived this week on the most recent leg of round-the-world tour, crossing from Africa to South America and the Caribbean last fall, and now working her way up the East Coast of the United States.
Energy Observer combines a suite of renewable energy technologies, all adapted for use aboard ship. Rather than flying traditional fabric sails, the boat is equipped with OceanWings, automated aerodynamic rectangles that function more like an airplane wing than a triangular jib.
Also onboard are more than 2,000 square feet of solar cells that help charge 3,000-plus pounds of batteries, the current from which is used (in part) to desalinate sea water. The resulting fresh water is then put through an electrolyzer, which splits the fluid into two gases—hydrogen and oxygen—the first of which is used to operate fuel cells, providing power to a pair of electric motors that drive the Energy Observer’s propellors.
The convergence of all these systems means that Energy Observer not only operates without producing any carbon emissions, but also has become the first energy-autonomous vessel to circle the world in modern times. (The previous title belonged to the Victoria, the sailing vessel used by explorer Ferdinand Magellan to circumnavigate the globe in the early 1500s, when nobody had heard about climate change or any power source for boats other than wind.)
Energy Observer is captained by Victorien Erussard, an offshore sailing racer and merchant naval officer who also commissioned the vessel and conceived of its mission. He says, “we want to prove that it is possible to get from A to B in an eco-friendly manner,” and recalls that he has long “dreamed about a new kind of boat, one which will be in total harmony with the elements around her, taking its energy from the sun and the water, without disturbing marine life.”
“This approach to human interaction with the ecosystem will pave the way for a new conception of the part we play on earth,” he reflects, “an inclusive, respectful, innovative role—one that does not harm natural habitats and does not drain natural resources.”
While he is proud of all the new energy technologies aboard the boat, Captain Erussard plainly views hydrogen as the first among equals. “I firmly believe that we will experience a real revolution with this energy source,” he says. Reflecting on the vessel’s role as a floating laboratory and proof-of-concept prototype, he adds, “we need to find alternatives to using fossil fuels. Today, I believe that these technologies are sufficiently mature to be implemented.”
“Hydrogen is the biggest innovation here, and it is very interesting,” agrees Tim Cole, a longtime Battery Park City resident who is also the publisher of Practical Sailor magazine. After stopping by North Cove to greet Energy Observer, Captain Erussard, and boatswain George Conty, Mr. Cole (at right with Mr. Conty) said, “these alternative fuels, augmented with sails, may have real potential. Fuel cells have been around since the early days of the space program, but ‘commercial viability’ is the operative term. It comes down to manufacturability and scalability, and whether these technologies find their way onto a factory floor and then into the marketplace.”
“Will all boats look this this in the future,” Mr. Cole asks rhetorically, before answering, “not likely. But will many boats soon incorporate at least some of these features? Very likely.”
Also embodying a nautical paradigm shift is Grain de Sail II, the world’s only cargo schooner designed to operate almost entirely by sail, which is currently tied up at Pier 17 on the East River. Although she does have a traditional engine, this vessel aims to use it only when entering and leaving port. At all other times, the Grain de Sail II (which carries 350 tons of wine, chocolate, and coffee from Europe) moves exclusively under wind power, resulting in a greater than 90 percent reduction in carbon emissions, compared to a similarly sized vessel powered by fossil fuels. When the engine is switched off, onboard electric power is supplied by solar panels and miniature wind turbines.
Launched by twin brothers Jacques and Olivier Barreau (who worked as offshore wind turbine entrepreneurs in France, before coming to sustainable shipping), the Grain de Sail II is part of a growing fleet that they hope to expand to four boats in the next few years. For now, they are crossing the Atlantic six times per year, taking roughly 18 days on each trip, while averaging 11 knots and zero tons of CO2.
A public tour of the Grain de Sail II is available this afternoon between 4pm and 5pm. Tickets here. After this, the cargo sailboat will return to Pier 17 in June with more French wine.
Energy Observer will remain docked in North Cove until April 22. On that day, Earth Day, the vessel will depart for Boston.