# Sustainable Shipping PR Stops The Energy Observer is Able to Power Itself Using Seawater By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-10-11 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/energy-observer References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2019/10/08/energy-observer-solar-hydrogen-power-boat/) & [energy-observer.org](http://www.energy-observer.org/en/#actu) The Energy Observer is a boat that is able to power its self-using [solar panels, wind turbines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eo-canopy), and a hydrogen fuel cell. Recently, the Energy Observer made a stop in London as part of a PR tour that began three years ago. One of the prominent organizations that has supported the Energy Observer is [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-hydrogen-cartridge), which believes it can show how hydrogen-powered vehicles can be implemented. The ship operates with many different power sources. One is a 126kWh battery that powers the motor and supplies power to the crew. However, when battery power is reduced to under 60% of its max, then [hydrogen fuel cells](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-showcases) are used to cover the rest of the power needs. Since the Energy Observer operates in the ocean, it can use the seawater as a power source. Image Credit: Toyota ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Shipping:** The Energy Observer demonstrates the potential for eco-friendly and self-sustaining shipping practices using renewable energy sources. - **Hydrogen-powered Vehicles:** Support from Toyota highlights greater possibilities for implementing renewable hydrogen fuel cells to power vehicles. - **Ocean-based Energy Sources:** The utilization of seawater as a power source for a ship indicates potential for developing ocean-based renewable energy technologies. ### Who This Affects Most - **Shipping:** Companies in the shipping industry can explore implementing sustainable energy sources and self-sustaining practices inspired by the Energy Observer's technology. - **Automotive:** The potential for hydrogen fuel cell technology to power vehicles creates an opportunity for further research and development in the automotive industry. - **Renewable Energy:** The innovative use of different renewable energy sources on the Energy Observer can inspire further research and development in the renewable energy industry, particularly in advancing ocean-based energy sources. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Emissions-Free Cargo Barges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/h2-barge-2-project.md) - [Energy-Hauling Battery Tankers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/battery-tanker.md) - [Solar-Powered Electric Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-electric-boat.md) - [Ammonia-Powered Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-ship.md) - [Battery-Packed Wind Farm Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/powerx.md) - [Hybrid Propulsion Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunreef-zero-cat.md) - [Wind-Powered Cargo Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/windpowered-cargo-ship.md) - [Emissions-Free Polar Ships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polar-ship.md) - [Revolutionary Electric Catamarans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-catamaran.md)