Didier BOUIX

Title: Hydrogen in the shipping industry: Feedback from the first world trip of the Energy Observer catamaran and new perspectives.

Author: Victorien Erussard, merchant marine officer and offshore sailor founder of Energy Observer. Didier Bouix, General Manager of Energy Observer Concept design office,

Abstract: Maritime transport, a pillar of the global economy, accounts for 3% of global GHG emissions. Based on the evolving regulatory landscape, the maritime industry worldwide is committing to developing alternative fuel propulsion for ships. Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier.
The Energy Observer project was born from the development of a vessel designed to push the limits of zero-emission technologies. Hydrogen, solar, and wind power solutions have been implemented, tested, and optimized in this first hydrogen-powered catamaran. Launched in 2017, this laboratory vessel has undertaken a 7-year expedition around the world, travelled across all continents, over 62,000 nautical miles, and represents a unique experience.
Energy Observer reaches a new milestone by launching the design of Energy Observer 2, a multipurpose cargo ship that runs on liquid hydrogen, a technology making it possible to navigate the oceans using zero emissions, while offering very large transport capacities and great range.

Biography: Didier has dedicated 16 years of his career to fuel cell and hydrogen technologies at CEA LITEN, French Alternative and Atomic Energies Commission for industry and EU projects. During this time, he developed fuel cell system systems for recognized companies and was also an active participant in safety projects.

Between 2015 – 2018 he was the project manager in charge of the sizing and development of the full energy chain (PV, Batteries, Electrolyser, H2 compressor, H2 storage, Fuel cell, Energy Management) for the Energy Observer catamaran.

Since 2023, he is the General Manager of Energy Observer Concept company to develop the LH2 container ship Energy Observer 2.