World first hydrogen IMOCA yacht construction

Phil Sharp, one of Britain’s most competitive and successful ocean racers, has today announced the build of a new zero emission IMOCA ahead of the 2024 Vendee Globe.
This new monohull designed by Manuard is currently under construction at Black Pepper Yatchs, a specialist in the construction of high-performance boats. The build is using existing moulds that have been recycled and reworked.

Due to be launched in the summer, the yacht will compete in the IMOCA Globe Series starting with the Transat Jacques Vabre in autumn, followed by a return qualifying race for Vendee Glove 2024.

Managed by OceansLab, a sustainable sports management company, this new IMOCA will see a unique and innovative ocean racing campaign with the clear aim of demonstrating scalable clean technologies within the maritime sector.

• Pioneering zero emissions energy system featuring hydrogen fuel cell technology
• 60-foot foiling IMOCA, a third evolution Manuard design, in construction with Black Pepper Yatch in France
• Full sailing programme include this year’s Transat Jacques Vabre, 2024 Vendee Globe, 2026 Route du Rhum, and The Ocean Race 2027

The OceansLab IMOCA will also be the first to exclusively use hydrogen fuel cell technology, thanks to a “Hydrogen Power Module”, created and developed by the team at Genevos where Sharp, who has a passion for renewable energy innovation, is a co-founder.
“IMOCA race boats are the most innovative and extreme of ocean-going vessels. They are an ideal platform to showcase vital clean technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, and prove their durability in the harshest of ocean environments”, says Sharp.

OceansLab will be the first race boat to integrate a hydrogen-electric energy system, technology that is applicable to a vast range of commercial and recreational vessels. The IMOCA’s zero emission energy system will power all of the board energy, in addition to propulsion outside of the races.

“Replacing fossil fuel power with renewable energy solutions is an important step forward not only for our sport, but on entire maritime sector. Ultimately, I am sailing to win races, while also proving that by using thet latest clean technologies, this can be done with zero emissions”, states Sharp.

As well as hydrogen fuel cell technology, OceansLab will also be demonstrating how other crucial clean innovations, such as recyclable composite materials and solar PV, can perform together to create an eco-efficient yacht.

“In order to meet climate change targets we need to start developing zero emission vesseles across the entire maritime sectior, today. This campaign will be an important benchmark in demonstrating that practical hydrogen solustions now exist that are ready to be embraced at scale”, he concludes.

OceansLab will be competing in the IMOCA Globe series grand slam events including transatlantic races, the Transat Jacques Vabre and Route Rhum, and major round-the-world races, the vendee Globe and the Ocean Race.

Sharp has achieved over 25 podiums in transatlatic and coastal racing, as well as winning two offshoree championships and breaking three World Sailing Speed Records.