PORT VAUBAN STANDS OUT AS THE FIRST YACHTING PORT THAT CAN DELIVER LH2 LIQUID HYDROGEN REFUELLING TO SUPERYACHTS.

A historic first for the global yachting industry: Port Vauban has become the very first yachting port to offer liquid hydrogen refueling by hosting a revolutionary superyacht using this clean energy production technology.

This technological milestone was successfully achieved thanks to the very first and only superyacht to be supplied with liquid hydrogen (LH2) staying at the Port Vauban, but also thanks to a cross-disciplinary cooperation carried out over several years with the best international liquid hydrogen specialists from design offices, bunkering companies, the ship’s teams as well as those of Port Vauban, the Antibes SDIS, the port authority and the departments of the town of Antibes-Juan-les-Pins.

“Our port is very proud to be at the forefront of such a major change. The provision of such a service will enhance the attractiveness of Port Vauban, as well as our image as a port at the cutting edge of innovation, with projects contributing to the energy transition and reducing the environmental impact of port activities.» Jean-Pierre SAVARINO, President of the Nice Chamber of Commerce and SAS Vauban 21.

Developments in Port Vauban from 2023, SAS Vauban 21 has been refurbishing and enlarging the quay for this technology in the outer harbour of the IYCA quay. As this refuelling will be carried out by lorry over a period of a few hours, no fixed installation or storage of liquid hydrogen is required. The only requirements are to load the truck onto a concrete surface, and to be able to connect the refuelling truck to the ground. Each refuelling operation is systematically validated by the port and the Port Authority. It is governed by a strict protocol in line with the risk analysis carried out for this operation, and monitored by the ship, the bunkering company and the port.