South Korea surprises the world by launching the first water-powered boat, capable of operating for an hour using just half a liter of liquid
A historic milestone in sustainable naval engineering was presented by K Watercraft, a South Korean company that developed the world's first boat powered by hydrogen, a fuel obtained from water.
Using technology, the unmanned vessel can operate for one hour using just 500 ml of this fuel.
This project promises to revolutionize the Services maritime by combining technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
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The vessel's debut took place in CES 2025, in Las Vegas, one of the largest technology events in the world. During the presentation, K Watercraft demonstrated how its creation combines solar energy and hydrogen to operate without pollutant emissions.
Hydrogen and solar energy
The centerpiece of the boat is its advanced electrolysis system, which uses solar energy to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water.
This hydrogen is converted into electrical energy through a fuel cell with a proton exchange membrane.
This technology allows an electric motor with a power of 1,5 kW (equivalent to 2,0 horsepower) to be powered and operate efficiently.
With a total weight of 50 kilos, the vessel also has an energy storage system.
This storage system allows for greater flexibility in operation, even in situations with low sunlight. Its fuel cell generates 300 watts of power, while the electrolysis process produces up to 4 liters of hydrogen per minute.
Sustainability and environmental impact
Using hydrogen as a fuel source eliminates dependence on fossil fuels, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
According to K Watercraft, the boat can operate in different types of water, including seawater, expanding its applicability in different scenarios.
This technology has the potential to be used in sectors such as maritime rescue, environmental monitoring and even ocean research.
A company spokesperson stressed that the vessel can collect coastal erosion data or conduct missions in remote areas, all without putting human operators at risk.
Practical applications and customization
The boat’s design flexibility allows it to be adapted for different roles. Customized models could be used for rescue operations, firefighting or coastal surveillance, meeting the specific needs of each client.
AK Watercraft is betting on the commercial viability of the technology, especially given the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in response to climate change.
The project not only represents a technical advance, but also reinforces the urgency of rethinking traditional maritime practices.
WB-UM
Named WB-UM2, the vessel symbolizes the beginning of a new era in maritime technology. This vessel not only offers an alternative to conventional fuels, but also highlights how navigation can contribute to the preservation of the oceans and the mitigation of climate change.
The model presented is the first in a line that, according to the company, will be expanded to include larger vessels.
The objective is to serve both commercial transport and specific operations in coastal and marine regions.
I have seen for a long time that it is possible to use hydrogen as fuel and that it has more advantages than fossil fuel. The interesting thing is that no company has been interested in exploring it.
Oil companies don't let
When you know how much electrical energy is needed to generate the amount of hydrogen equivalent to one CV, you will see that it is not that simple.