Genevos, marine fuel cell supplier for the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli HSV Catamaran

• America’s Cup challenger Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli sailed for the first time their Hydrogen Support Vessel (HSV) during the preliminary regatta of the 37th edition in Barcelona;
• Genevos provided the Complete H2-Pack including two plug-and-play marine fuel cells, engineering and commissioning services.

Founded in 1851, the America’s Cup is the oldest international competition in world sport, pre-dating the modern Olympics. The Protocol of the 37th America’s Cup sailing competition requires teams to use a hydrogen-powered support vessel throughout this prestigious event, whereby Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli built and designed its own HSV.

Genevos was selected to provide the Complete H2-Pack of solutions including the delivery of two plug-and-play hydrogen fuel cell power systems (Hydrogen Power Modules, ‘HPMs’), engineering, integration, and commissioning services. Specifically managing the hydrogen storage and gas management, including the safety management strategy.

The extended 160 kW of power provided by the Genevos HPMs enabled the team to meet the requirements imposed by the regulations of a maximum speed of over 50 kts, and a range of 75 nm at an average speed of >25 knots.

"We are extremely proud to have played a key role in the delivery of this innovative zero emission vessel. Being a part of this unique project has been a fantastic challenge for our team over the past two years, who have pushed technological boundaries to develop a high-efficiency, low weight marine hydrogen power solution. 

“To see the vessel flying at high speeds with zero emissions during the America’s Cup has been a great reward for everybody. The HSV is an inspirational flagship to demonstrating a tangible solution on what can be achieved to decarbonise high-speed vessels across the maritime sector”, commented Phil Sharp , CTO at Genevos.

“The HSV was an important and complex challenge for the team”, said Umberto De Luca , Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli's special projects manager. “Hydrogen propulsion for civil use, in fact, is a field that is still being explored and the know-how to draw on is very limited. This is why we are proud to have built and developed an incredible boat, advanced in every respect and, above all, equipped with such an innovative motorization. The hydrogen catamaran required a lot of commitment from the entire team and will be an important benchmark for future projects”.

37th America’s Cup HSV regulations:

• Length (LOA): 10 m minimum
• Cruising speed: 30 knots
• Maximum speed: + 50 knots
• Range: 75 nautical miles at an average speed of 25 knots
• Crew on board: 6 plus 250 kg extra load
• Minimum take-off speed: 24 knots