Energy Observer is the first autonomous hydrogen vessel that emits no greenhouse gases or fine particles. This electrically propelled vessel of the future is powered by a combination of renewable energies and a system that produces carbon-free hydrogen from seawater.
Launched in 2017 in Saint-Malo, France, Energy Observer is more than just a boat. It showcases technologies that will support tomorrow’s energy networks to make them efficient and applicable on a large scale. The Energy Observer team will promote this model, based on a mix of renewable energy sources and energy storage, on a worldwide tour.
This six-year journey is both a human and technological challenge. It will test on-board technology in extreme conditions and navigate the first energy-autonomous boat around the globe. The crew will be led by Victorien Erussard and Jérôme Delafosse.
Hydrogen is at the very heart of the Energy Observer project and the major reason for Toyota Motor Europe’s participation. The hydrogen-powered vessel has a considerable weight advantage (50% of the ship’s displacement) when compared to an exclusive battery storage solution. In terms of energy storage, hydrogen is also key to overcoming the issue of intermittent energy supply on land and sea.
After sailing around France in 2017, Energy Observer is now in the Mediterranean and will move on to Northern Europe in 2019. The ship aims to reach Tokyo in time for the Olympic Games in 2020.
Victorien Erussard, founder and captain of Energy Observer said: “We are really excited to have Toyota Motor Europe on-board for this mission. We share the vision of hydrogen as the key for accelerating energy transition, a vision that we wish to carry to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”
Matt Harrison, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Toyota Motor Europe, commented: “Energy Observer is an exciting initiative and we at Toyota Motor Europe are delighted to be associated with such a passionate and dedicated team. This project once again demonstrates the many practical uses of hydrogen that can be developed as we transition towards a hydrogen society.”
Toyota has been pioneering hydrogen technology for the last 20 years, carrying out considerable testing in demanding conditions to ensure hydrogen can work as a practical fuel alternative. Hydrogen allows for quick refuelling, a significant driving range, and an emission-free experience that is helping to power cars, like the Toyota Mirai, as well as buses, trucks and even forklifts.
During its expedition, the Energy Observer team will produce documentary content about concrete and reliable solutions around the world as France’s chief ambassador for the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. Their encounters and discoveries will be broadcast through an eight-episode series on the Planète+ television network next autumn, as well as a web-series that will be shared on social media.
Greek yacht builder Omikron Yachts will return to the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025, to present its OT-60 model. The 18-meter yacht, which received three international awards in 2024, will be displayed at Europe's largest in-water boat show.The OT-60 features a fuel-efficient Eco-Cruise hull designed by Juan-K, with exterior and interior styling by Lorenzo Argento. At a cruising speed of 8 knots, the yacht achieves a range of 1,000 nautical miles with fuel consumption of 1.25 liters per nautical mile. The design combines elements of sailing yachts and motor cruisers, emphasizing onboard space optimization.Following the OT-60's market success, Omikron Yachts has expanded its Mediterranean dealer network and plans to enter the North American market. The company currently has several projects in development, including the larger OT-80 motor yacht and the 54-meter sailing yacht Argo 54 under construction at its Athens-area facility.Between 1969 and the late 90s, the Olympic Yachts shipyard manufactured over 2,000 sailing boats. Starting in 2019, the shipyard underwent a comprehensive renovation, revitalizing its capabilities to design and manufacture contemporary, high-quality boats.Credits: Omikron Yachts
July 30, 2025
Italian shipbuilder MED Group has launched its new Tykun brand, introducing a line of high-performance chase boats designed by architect Tommaso Spadolini. The aluminum-hulled vessels will be available in three sizes: 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5 meters.The first 10.5-meter unit is currently under construction and scheduled to debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show. A client has already ordered the largest 12.5-meter model, with delivery expected in 2026. The boats utilize MED Group's three decades of experience building vessels for military and security applications.Constructed from aluminum without requiring molds, the Tykun series allows for extensive customization of layouts, finishes, and configurations. The design incorporates military-derived naval architecture adapted for luxury yacht tender use.Marco Galimberti"We know that owners will appreciate the flexibility of the design and layout," said Spadolini, noting the boats' adaptable interiors. MED Group CEO Marco Galimberti added, "These boats combine the power of military vessels with the elegance of superyacht tenders."The Cervia-based shipyard currently employs 60 workers and plans to expand to a larger facility in 2026. The Tykun line represents MED Group's first foray into the luxury yacht market, applying its defense sector expertise to premium chase boat construction.Credits: MED Group
July 30, 2025
Italian yacht builder Extra Yachts has revealed the updated interior design of its 32.3-meter X110 Fast model, created by designer Giuseppina Arena. The new interior scheme features contemporary styling with vibrant color palettes, combining leather surfaces, lacquered finishes, and specialized glass elements with integrated fabrics.Constructed with carbon-composite materials, the performance-oriented yacht measures 7.6 meters in beam (extendable to 9 meters with fold-down bulwarks) and draws just 1.35 meters. Power comes from three MAN engines rated at 2,000 horsepower each, enabling a top speed of 40 knots and cruising at 30 knots.The main deck centers around an open-plan saloon with convertible seating arrangements and an integrated bar area. Below deck, the full-beam master suite incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows and an oversized skylight, accompanied by three additional guest cabins configured as two twins and one VIP. Crew accommodations for four are positioned separately.Exterior spaces feature an 85-square-meter aft deck divided into three functional zones: a beach club with transforming furniture, central lounge area, and elevated dining space with open kitchen. The 50-square-meter flybridge includes dining facilities, sun pads, and a fixed hardtop, while the foredeck offers a private lounge area.Storage solutions include a side-launch tender garage housing a 4-meter craft. The yacht's technical specifications highlight its spray rail-equipped hull design for improved seakeeping at high speeds.Extra Yachts specializes in the development of yachts with a strong personality. Its distinctive lines are combined in a variety of motor yacht models ranging from 76' to 130' and a 30-meter motor catamaran. Developed thanks to the advanced technical experience of ISA Yachts, Extra offers customers all the advantages of being part of the Palumbo Superyachts network.Credits: Extra Yachts
July 30, 2025
The first 45-meter yacht constructed at Tankoa Yachts' new Civitavecchia production site has completed its transfer to the company's Genoa shipyard. The T450 series vessel arrived via barge after a two-day maritime transport operation, marking a milestone in Tankoa's expansion strategy.Construction of the aluminum hull and superstructure, along with initial machinery installation, was completed at the Civitavecchia facility before the transfer. The logistics operation required transporting the hull by trailer to the quay, loading onto a barge, and final delivery to Tankoa's private docking area in Genoa. The yacht will now undergo final outfitting in preparation for launch.Tankoa has invested approximately €5 million to establish operations at the Civitavecchia site, which obtained its port concession in December 2023. The facility currently employs 120 workers and has five yachts in various construction phases."This transfer demonstrates our long-term commitment to Civitavecchia," stated Tankoa CEO Vincenzo Poerio. "We're now focused on developing the local supply chain to create an efficient production hub that benefits both the region and Italy's yacht-building industry."The Civitavecchia expansion increases Tankoa's production capacity while establishing a new construction hub in the historic port city. The shipyard maintains its Genoa headquarters for final completion work and yacht deliveries.Tankoa was founded in 2007 and began production in 2008. A true “boutique shipyard”, focused on building semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up.Credits: Tankoa
July 29, 2025
The 65-meter motor yacht Regina d'Italia has been listed for sale through Ocean Independence broker Marco Vandoni, marking the first time the vessel has been available since its 2019 delivery from Italian shipyard Codecasa.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, Regina d'Italia represents the third iteration of Codecasa's 65-meter platform, offering 1,215 gross tons of interior volume. The yacht's interior design was handled by M2 Atelier in collaboration with an unnamed fashion designer, resulting in minimalist spaces described by brokers as demonstrating "practical elegance."Accommodations include six cabins for up to 11 guests, featuring a 110-square-meter master suite on the main deck. Common areas comprise an open-plan main salon, combined cinema and skylounge, and fully-equipped gymnasium. A central elevator connects all decks.The upper deck aft hosts a formal dining area beneath the mirrored overhang of the sundeck, which itself contains a 7-meter forward-facing pool surrounded by sun loungers and a full-service bar. The yacht carries a complement of water toys including an Xtender tender, two Sea-Doo personal watercraft, and a Seabob underwater scooter.Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, Regina d'Italia achieves a top speed of 18.5 knots with a transatlantic range of 4,300 nautical miles at 13 knots. The RINA-classed vessel is equipped with zero-speed stabilizers for comfort at anchor.Codecasa shipyard was established in Viareggio in 1825 by the shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa. Still run by the founder’s heirs, nowadays the Codecasa Shipyards Group is able to offer a wide range of Yachts, featured by top quality, technologic innovation, reliability, design and comfort. The shipyard is known all over the world as builders of steel and light alloy motoryachts, ranging from 30 to 70 meters LOA.Credits: Ocean Independence
July 29, 2025