On 3 December 2024, the ZULU 06, France’s first hydrogen-powered river vessel, was christened in Paris. This innovative vessel, developed by the Sogestran Group, represents a breakthrough in the energy transition of inland transport, marking a key step towards a future of decarbonised mobility.
Part of the christening ceremony of the vessel. Source: Sogestran Group
Design and characteristics of the ZULU 06 river vessel
With a length of 55 metres and a transport capacity of 400 tonnes, the ZULU 06 is designed to meet the challenges of urban logistics in metropolitan centres such as Paris. Its hydrogen propulsion system , based on two 200 kW fuel cells , allows it to operate efficiently and with zero emissions. The vessel has a range of 500 km, making it an ideal choice for the distribution of goods in urban areas without contributing to environmental degradation.
This technological breakthrough has been made possible thanks to the support of public and private actors from France and Europe, who have collaborated within the framework of the Flagships project. The ZULU 06 stands out for its technological innovation and its contribution to the decarbonisation of the river sector .
The contribution of ZULU 06
The christening of the ZULU 06 is more than just an inauguration. It is a clear demonstration of France’s commitment to decarbonisation and the energy transition in the transport sector.
This vessel is an example of what we can achieve when we combine technological excellence with a commitment to sustainable mobility.
said Pascal Girardet, President of the Sogestran Group.
Although the hydrogen industry is still in its early stages, the ZULU 06 demonstrates the potential of this clean energy source to transform the river transport sector and beyond. Collaboration between the European Union, the Sogestran Group and various French authorities has been crucial to making this innovative project a reality.
The vessel is also an example of international cooperation. As part of France’s national hydrogen strategy, the project has received financial support from entities such as ADEME and the Île-de-France Region.
Future plans
The ZULU 06 is just the beginning. With this project, the Sogestran Group has taken an important step in the modernisation of river transport, paving the way for new decarbonised mobility solutions.
Upcoming challenges include expanding this technology to other vessels and integrating hydrogen into other river and maritime transport applications, which will improve air quality, reduce noise and lower the carbon footprint of the sector.
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Source and photos: Sogestran Group