Bluegame Completes First Hydrogen Refuelling For The BGH Chase Boat For The 37th America’s Cup

In a significant leap forward for sustainable marine technology, Bluegame – a subsidiary of the Sanlorenzo Group – has collaborated with NatPower H to successfully complete the first hydrogen refuelling for the BGH Chase Boat, which is set to accompany both the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic and the French Orient Express Racing Team at the 37th America’s Cup. This achievement represents a pivotal moment in boating, underscoring a commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation.

The refuelling operation took place at the Sanlorenzo shipyard in La Spezia, Italy, where the vessel was filled with hydrogen at a pressure of approximately 180 bar. The event marks the beginning of a testing phase, culminating in a final refuelling at 350 bar scheduled for later this month.

The BGH Chase Boat is expected to reach an impressive foiling speed of 50 knots with the use of green hydrogen as a fuel source. The initiative aligns with the Sanlorenzo Group’s global sustainability strategy known as the ‘Road to 2030’, exemplifying the Group’s pioneering efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality.

A green strategic alliance

The collaboration between Bluegame and NatPower H is a strategic alliance aimed at driving an energy transition within the boating industry. Their partnership is set to revolutionise the sector by promoting hydrogen use in leisure boating, paving the way for emission-free vessels in future generations. The successful refuelling operation received special acknowledgement from the Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in this endeavour.

Carla Demaria, CEO of Bluegame, aptly describes the company’s journey as “a story of courage.” From creating unconventional boats to designing the hydrogen-powered BGH Chase Boat, Bluegame’s innovative spirit shines through. ‘The story of Bluegame is a story of courage. The courage to ‘con nue to dare – Memento audere semper’ (always remember to dare), as Gabriele d’Annunzio would say.’ From its origins with the creation of the first unconventional Bluegame boat, which defied categorisation and created its own segment in the sector, to the recent technological challenge of designing and building to comply with the stringent demands of the America’s Cup protocol – BGH, the hydrogen-powered chase boat that will fly on foils at 50 knots with zero emissions (apart from a few drops of water) alongside the American Magic and the French Orient Express Racing Team challengers.  BGH represents the pinnacle of sustainability possible today, a pioneer in the path towards carbon neutrality. The exclusive use of hydrogen as a propulsion system is a complete novelty not only for Bluegame and the Sanlorenzo Group but for the entire leisure boating sector.

Andrea Minerdo, CEO of NatPower H, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the revolutionary impact of the refuelling operation on both the Italian and international boating markets. NatPower H’s comprehensive infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling in leisure boating sets a new direction for environmentally conscious sailing. By utilising hydrogen as a green fuel, the boating industry can prioritise environmental beauty and protect our fragile marine ecosystem.

The BGH Chase Boat represents not just an endpoint but a starting point for a transformative journey toward a greener future in the yachting industry.

To find out more about the Bluegame BGH and the extension of this technology to a future range of cruising power catamarans from Bluegame, please connect with our dedicated team at [email protected].