Cheetahs hydrogen catamaran beats target
Isle of Wight-based Cheetah Marine’s hydrogen powered boat has highlighted the potential of zero CO2 technology in the marine industry.
The catamaran features a hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE), which works the same way as a tradition petrol engine but burns hydrogen and produces harmless water vapour as its only emissions.
“We finished three hours ahead of schedule and still had enough hydrogen to circumnavigate again. It was a great success,” said Lucy Strevens of Cheetah Marine.
She continued: “Previous crafts have been powered using hydrogen fuel cells, but it doesn’t appear there has been a boat running on hydrogen in a traditional internal combustion engine.”
It was tested throughout the spring and concluded with a 100km round the Island voyage in April.
Two Cheetah vessels will also be on show on the pontoon at Seawork International 2016.
Wet Wheels Hamble, the third in the Wet Wheels disabled collection, is powered by twin 250hp Suzuki engines.
A ramp to the helm means that wheelchair users can take control of the vessel. Twin 250 litre tanks provide a good range, both seating for the disabled and tie down positions for wheelchairs cater for the main users.
Also at show will be Last Dollar, a 9m x 3.6m charter angling boat. Powered by twin Honda 135hp outboards, the vessel is equipped with a galley, a comprehensive Simrad electronics package and twin 180 litre fuel tanks.
Sean Strevens, a designer at Cheetah, concluded: “As always we rely on Seawork for making important contacts to secure orders in the future.”
“It is a truly international show which suits our worldwide market. With customers from as far afield as Singapore, Russia and the Congo it is great to be on a Cheetah talking to buyers from all over the world.”
Visit Cheetah Marine at Seawork International 2016 on stand VA 32 and 33.
By Alice Mason
