The Future of Maritime Transportation: TU Delft Hydro Motion Team Introduces Hydrogen-Powered Boat
The 2025 TU Delft Hydro Motion Team, comprised of 25 adult students, has unveiled their latest innovation – a hydrofoiling boat powered by liquified hydrogen. This groundbreaking project is the culmination of years of research and development at the Dutch university, with a history dating back to 2005.
Building on the successes of previous teams, the 2025 project represents a significant leap forward in sustainable maritime technology. The transition from solar power to compressed hydrogen in 2021 marked a pivotal moment, and the 2024 team made history by crossing the North Sea in the first hydrogen-powered boat.
Now, the 2025 team is gearing up to compete in the Monaco Sea Lab 2025, showcasing their boat’s capabilities in speed, maneuverability, and endurance. With liquified hydrogen offering nearly three times the energy density of compressed hydrogen, the students aim to inspire the shipping industry towards a greener future.
Embracing Innovation for Decarbonization
The team envisions a maritime industry that fully embraces sustainable technologies, setting new standards for eco-friendly practices. By participating in the Monaco Sea Lab 2025, they hope to demonstrate the potential of liquid hydrogen in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for maritime transportation.
Their boat design features a custom-made cryogenic hydrogen storage tank, a fuel cell for power generation, and a lithium iron phosphate battery for power buffering. With an electric motor connected to the rear strut and a strategically positioned propeller, the vessel is engineered for optimal performance.
Advanced Technology and Design
The fuel storage tank boasts multiple layers of insulation in a double-walled vacuum design, limiting heat transfer to a minimal 7W. Waste heat from the fuel cell’s cooling loop is efficiently utilized to warm the liquid hydrogen to the required 20°C for optimal operation.
The carbon fiber hull, measuring 7 meters by 2.4 meters, is crafted for speed and agility. Computer-controlled foils, equipped with sensors for precise positioning above the water, enable dynamic steering and control. The innovative design ensures maximum efficiency and performance on the water.
Looking Ahead
With the vessel design finalized, the team is now focused on building the boat in preparation for the upcoming competition in July. Their dedication to sustainable technology and commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation highlight the potential for a cleaner, greener future in maritime transportation.