A New Era of Sustainable Maritime Innovation
PARIS, October 21, 2025 — Rockwell Automation has announced the extension of its collaboration with Energy Observer to support the development of Energy Observer 3 (EO3) — the world’s most advanced zero-emission watercraft. Serving as a floating laboratory and innovation platform, EO3 will test a range of low-carbon and renewable technologies in real maritime environments, redefining the standards for clean energy and sustainable shipping.
Revolutionary Energy Architecture on Board EO3
The EO3 vessel incorporates a multi-source hybrid energy system built to operate with no direct greenhouse gas emissions. Its cutting-edge energy platform includes:
-
Ammonia as a hydrogen carrier, converted through an onboard ammonia cracker
-
Dual fuel cell systems: Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
-
100% ammonia engine with NOx aftertreatment
-
Battery energy storage, optimized by automation
-
Automated wind propulsion wings and high-efficiency solar cell-covered superstructure
This integrated system represents a significant leap forward in the use of clean fuels and intelligent control systems in the maritime sector.
More Than a Vessel: EO3 as a Living Lab
Beyond serving as a demonstration platform for sustainable propulsion technologies, EO3 is designed to be a multifunctional innovation space. It will host:
-
Technical experimentation and testing of next-generation energy systems
-
Audiovisual production and educational outreach, inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators
-
Global events and collaboration, bringing together stakeholders across industries
Rockwell Automation's Role: Empowering Zero-Emission Voyages
As a long-term technology partner, Rockwell Automation is supplying EO3 with state-of-the-art automation, IT/OT integration, data management, and visualization platforms to optimize every element of the vessel's operation. These capabilities include:
-
Real-time energy monitoring for ammonia cracking, fuel cell operations, and battery management
-
Data analytics and visualization tools for efficient offshore and onshore decision-making
-
User-friendly control interfaces that empower crews to manage systems autonomously
-
Global service support, ensuring system uptime and expert assistance across all ocean regions
Legacy of Collaboration and Sustainability
The partnership between Rockwell Automation and Energy Observer began in 2016 with the launch of Energy Observer 1, the first hydrogen-powered catamaran to circumnavigate the globe. Over a span of seven years and countless nautical miles, this collaboration demonstrated the viability of renewable maritime energy systems.
"The journey with Energy Observer is about more than technology — it’s about a shared mission for a decarbonized future," said Emmanuel Guilhamon, Global VP of Sustainability at Rockwell Automation. “With EO3, we are scaling up that mission with deeper integration of automation and data intelligence.”
A Shared Vision for the Future of Clean Maritime Transport
According to Bénédicte Gallon, Deputy CEO of Energy Observer, “EO3 is our most ambitious project to date. Our partnership with Rockwell Automation goes beyond equipment and platforms — it represents a shared commitment to push boundaries and accelerate the energy transition across global maritime sectors.”
EO3 will serve as a global symbol of what’s possible when engineering excellence, sustainable innovation, and collective action converge.