Bluegame Successfully Conducts First Hydrogen Refuelling for the BGH Chase Boat Ahead of 37th America’s Cup

In a major advancement for sustainable marine technology, Bluegame, part of the Sanlorenzo Group, has partnered with NatPower H to complete the first hydrogen refuelling for the BGH Chase Boat. This vessel will accompany the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic and the French Oriental Express Racing Team in the 37th America’s Cup. This milestone highlights a significant commitment to environmental sustainability and technological progress in the boating industry.

The refuelling took place at the Sanlorenzo shipyard in La Spezia, Italy, where the vessel was filled with hydrogen at around 180 bar. This marks the beginning of a testing phase, with a final refuelling at 350 bar planned for later this month.

Powered by green hydrogen, the BGH Chase Boat is expected to achieve a foiling speed of 50 knots. This initiative is part of the Sanlorenzo Group’s global sustainability strategy, "Road to 2030," demonstrating their leadership in the pursuit of carbon neutrality.

A Green Strategic Alliance

The partnership between Bluegame and NatPower H is a strategic alliance aimed at advancing energy transition within the boating industry. Their collaboration is set to revolutionize the sector by promoting the use of hydrogen in leisure boating, paving the way for future emission-free vessels. The successful refuelling operation was notably recognized by the Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this achievement.

Carla Demaria, CEO of Bluegame, describes the company’s journey as “a story of courage,” reflecting their innovative spirit from creating unconventional boats to designing the hydrogen-powered BGH Chase Boat. This boat, complying with the stringent demands of the America’s Cup protocol, represents the pinnacle of current sustainability efforts and marks a pioneering step toward carbon neutrality. The exclusive use of hydrogen as a propulsion system is a novel achievement for both Bluegame and the entire leisure boating sector.

Andrea Minerdo, CEO of NatPower H, highlights the revolutionary impact of this refuelling operation on both Italian and international boating markets. NatPower H’s infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling in leisure boating sets a new direction for environmentally conscious sailing. By adopting hydrogen as a green fuel, the boating industry can better protect the marine ecosystem.

The BGH Chase Boat signifies the start of a transformative journey toward a greener future in the yachting industry.