The Energy Observer will stop in Fortaleza, Brazil, from November 16 to 24 (2023) to conclude its second transatlantic crossing.
In March (2023), The Energy Observer announced it would be sailing to Africa and South America throughout the year, with the aim of discovering the continents energy challenges and hydrogen potential.
Read more:Energy Observer to set sail to Africa and South America for 2023
In the vessel’s sixth year it will round off its voyage in Brazil – the world’s ninth largest energy consumer – having travelled 3,385 nautical miles over 23 days, powered by 3% hydrogen, 30% photovoltaic energy and 67% wings (equivalent energy saved on propulsion).
Brazil boasts a population of around 215 million and nearly half of its primary energy demand is met by renewable energies, such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar panel, making up around 80% of its electricity mix.
Odyssey’s official partner, Qair, invited the Energy Observer to Brazil with the support of partners including the Accor Group, Air Liquide, and Toyota, to provide an ideal setting for a range of interactions focusing on the country’s energy issues.
Brazil is expected to be one of the world’s leaders in biofuels, directing its large-scale development towards second-generation fuels essential for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. The northeast region of Brazil is home to 80% of the country’s wind farms and it sees the state of Ceará, particularly Fortaleza, as an ideal site for wind power.
Victorien Erussard, President, Captain and Founder of Energy Observer, said, “The sixth year of Energy Observer’s Odyssey took root in Africa, beginning with a remarkable stopover in Cape Town, where the vessel welcomed numerous visitors alongside her innovative exhibition village.
“Then, she set sail to Namibia with the ambition to document the continent’s emerging renewable energy and green hydrogen production centres. The stopover in Walvis Bay was the final highlight of this African leg while opening the prologue to the next great ocean crossing, with Brazil in its sights.”
Before stopping in the South Atlantic at Saint Helena on route to Brazil, the Energy Observer’s electrical engines were used for the propulsion only during 55 hours of 177 hours of sailing.
On its second and longer leg, energy production regularly exceeded 100kWh per day and peaked at 125kWh. Due to downwind winds and friendly currents, an increase of energy enabled more frequent use of the engines to counter persistent swell and maintain an average speed of over six knots.
