TU Delft’s Hydrogen Boat Crosses North Sea with MEAN WELL Power

Application Field

  • Hydrogen-powered maritime vehicles
  • Sustainable transportation

Products Sponsored

DC-DC converters:

  • DDR-480B-12
  • DDR-60G-12
  • RSD-60G-12
  • DDR-15G-5
  • SD-15B-0

TU Delft Hydro Motion team standing beside their hydrogen-powered boat at the water’s edge, preparing for the North Sea crossing competition.

Project Overview

In a historic maritime achievement, the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team became the first to sail a fully hydrogen-powered foiling boat across the North Sea. This milestone demonstrates the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source for long-distance and seaworthy applications.

Building on 15+ years of sustainable innovation, TU Delft’s team transitioned from solar-powered boats to hydrogen propulsion. After pioneering the world’s first flying hydrogen boat in 2021 and winning the 2023 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, they set their sights on crossing the North Sea — a bold step forward for clean maritime technology. With support from partners like MEAN WELL, the team engineered an advanced onboard system to meet the demands of this complex voyage.


MEAN WELL’s Impact

MEAN WELL contributed high-efficiency DC-DC converters that powered essential systems aboard the hydrogen vessel:

  • DDR-480B-12: Delivered stable power for the electric steering system, managing current spikes up to 40A.

  • DDR-60G-12 & RSD-60G-12: Ensured continuous power for key 12V navigation components (AIS, VHF, navigation unit).

  • DDR-15G-5 & SD-15B-0: Supported Raspberry Pi-based systems for data processing and system control.

These converters ensured operational stability, safety, and energy efficiency, reinforcing the boat’s resilience during its demanding sea voyage.

By supporting this pioneering project, MEAN WELL advances its mission to empower future-focused, sustainable engineering through reliable standard power products.

A TU Delft student securing a DDR-480B-12 DC-DC converter inside a protective enclosure during the hydrogen-powered boat project.

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