hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat by ETNZ takes flight in america's cup

Emirates Team New Zealand unveils chase zero prototype

In 2012, the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) first introduced foiling to the world of America’s Cup with their AC72 catamaran yacht. Now, just under 10 years later, the team introduces a hydrogen-powered foiling chase boat that will surely make a splash in the international sailing competition. Just a week after its first introduction, the prototype named Chase Zero, which is powered by Toyota fuel cells, successfully completed its first ‘flight’ around the Waitemata harbor in Auckland, hitting unprecedented speeds.

all images courtesy of Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ)

the first hydrogen foiling boat in america’s cup

Chase Zero is part of a Hydrogen Project launched by ETNZ and will be the first of its kind to take part in the America’s Cup competition. It is 32.8-ft-long (10 m) and can accommodate six crew members. It is powered by two 80kW Toyota hydrogen fuel cells, one in each hull.

The hydrogen gas is passed through a catalyst that separates the H2 molecules and the electrons, which are then used to power the boat. The electricity is either stored in the battery, or fed directly into the electric motors that provide the propulsion to the boat.

the critical role of the batteries

The batteries play a critical role in allowing Chase Zero to accelerate and reach its impressive speeds. ‘The fuel cells provide the majority of the energy, however the battery acts as a filter for the faster changes in power demand. The response time of the fuel cell is much slower than available from the battery, so during fast changes in demand the battery supplies the difference as a compromise in performance was not an option.’ explains Electrical Engineer Michael Rasmussen.

The boat can sail at approximately 30knots (34.5 mph/55.5 kph) with the 160kW generated from the fuel cells. In order to achieve higher speeds up to 50 knots (57.5 mph/92.6 kph), it is able to draw from the batteries and bump the speed up to around 420kW for shorter periods. The fuel cell will recharge the batteries once there is excess power available again.

a futuristic zero-emissions chase boat

This newly unveiled project proves how we can influence the global marine industry by producing a prototype hydrogen-powered foiling catamarans. With its futuristic look, its impressive features, and zero carbon emissions, Chase Zero is considered significant progress regarding clean renewable energy in the marine industry. ‘It is basically water vapour coming out of the exhaust, which is amazing when considering the positive environmental impact that can be made by reducing emissions from regular boat engines.’ says Emirates Team New Zealand COO Kevin Shoebridge.

project info:

name: Chase Zero
designers: Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ)
LOA: 10.0 m
beam: 4.5 m
draft: 2.2 m
foil configuration: Primary π-foil, single T-rudder
displacement: 4800kg
fuel cells: 2 x Toyota 80kW
motors: 2 x 220kW
batteries: 2 x 42kWh
tanks: 4 x 8kg Hydrogen @ 350bar
cruise speed: 30kts
range: 180km (typical chase boat working cycle)
top speed: 50kts