MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – US-based Sea Cheetah Corporation has partnered with Toulouse-based hydrogen solutions expert H3 Dynamics. The collaboration aims to develop the world’s first hydrogen-electric wing-in ground effect (WIGE) vessel. Announced on September 30, 2024, the strategic partnership will create an eco-system of fueling points for zero-emission WIGE vessels.
Sea Cheetah’s Innovative WIGE Vessel Technology
Sea Cheetah’s state-of-the-art WIGE vessels utilize proven technology to travel in and outside of ground effect. These vessels can reach speeds exceeding 135 knots (250 kph / 155 mph). By flying just a few meters above water, they connect coastal and island regions faster and more cost-effectively. Sea Cheetah’s WIGE vessels offer unmatched payload capacity and extended operating range compared to existing maritime transportation options.
Classification and Certification as Marine Vessels
Sea Cheetah’s WIGE vessels resemble aircraft but will be classified and operated as marine vessels. This distinction significantly impacts the certification process and time to market. WIGE vessels flying below 50 feet fall outside the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) jurisdiction. Sea Cheetah collaborates with the Coast Guard and other national maritime organizations for certification. The vessels will be certified according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) WIGE ship classification (MSC.1/Circ.1592) from May 18, 2018.
Partnership with H3 Dynamics for Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion
Partnering with H3 Dynamics will enhance Sea Cheetah’s hydrogen-electric propulsion system capability and achieve superior fuel economy.
The partnership offers several key benefits:
- Hybrid hydrogen-powered powertrain enables greater range and payload capacities compared to battery-powered systems
- Increased applications and usability for WIGE vessels in different parts of the world
- Collaboration with H3 Dynamics, a Monaco Prize winner for Innovation in Renewable Hydrogen and Transportation, brings expertise
H3 Dynamics CEO Taras Wankewycz stated, “Our hybrid hydrogen-powered powertrain enables Sea Cheetah’s WIGE vessel to achieve unprecedented range and payload capacities. This creates more applications and usability for such vessel in different parts of the world.”
Decentralized Green Hydrogen Production and Fueling
The partnership will deploy small, decentralized green hydrogen production systems called Sea Cheetah H2Hub™ and H2Hub Micro™ modules. These modules will support rapid fueling and quick vessel turnaround. Sea Cheetah Founder and CEO Serge Markoff emphasized the benefits of combining the two companies’ advanced technologies. “Sea Cheetah vessels will now carry 3 times more payload than competing air- and watercraft. They will be 10 times faster than boats and 10 times more fuel-efficient than aircraft.”
Read More: H3 Dynamics and Qdot Develop Hydrogen Drone
About Sea Cheetah and H3 Dynamics
Sea Cheetah Corp. is a global design, manufacturing, and transportation technology firm. The company revolutionizes marine and coastal transportation through zero-emission hydrogen transport and decentralized on-site just-in-time hydrogen generation and fueling. H3 Dynamics accelerates the world’s transition to sustainable mobility by bridging the gap between hydrogen technologies and aerospace requirements. The company also works on reducing the cost of green hydrogen.
