ZERO EMISSION IMOCA COMING

British ocean racer Phil Sharp has announced the build of a new zero emission IMOCA ahead of the 2024 Vendée Globe.

This new monohull, designed by Manuard, is under construction 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 the autumn, followed by a return qualifying race for the Vendée Globe 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. 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 Genevoswhere Phil Sharp, who has a passion for renewable energy innovation, is a co-founder.

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

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

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

The Port of London Authority has begun a major master planning exercise to realise the growth opportunities along the Thames known as the Thames Vision 2050.The vision sets out future priorities for the river around three themes: Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames. “Through the master planning process we will build in the local detail, drawing out the opportunities for trade, travel, sport and nature along the Thames and its riparian hinterland,” said director of planning and development at the PLA, James Trimmer.

Delphia Yachts and Aqua superPower have announced a partnership which will see them working together to support Delphia dealers and customers with a widespread electric boat charging network. They will also promote clean and silent electric boating to end-users and marinas with joint events and identify potential research projects which would be beneficial to blue innovation and clean marine technology development.

Sam Goodchild has joined TR Racing sailing the former LinkedOut. Sam, currently racing in The Ocean Race, said: "I will benefit from a high level of expertise to learn fast and perform as early as 2023, while aiming for the next Vendée Globe."