Energy Observer, the laboratory vessel paves the way for a more sustainable, low-carbon world
by Energy Observer 7 Mar 2024 07:33 PST
Energy Observer arrival at Fort Lauderdale © Energy Observer Productions - Amélie Conty
In 2024, more than half the world's population will be called to the polls. From the United States to South Africa, from Asia to Europe, these votes will have a direct impact on energy choices and ultimately on our ability to fight climate change, develop solutions to reduce our dependence on carbon-based energies and achieve our common goal of a more sustainable future.
As France's first ambassador for the SDGs, Energy Observer will be sailing to Washington and then to New York to meet with institutional bodies, investors, opinion leaders and the general public at this time of strategic choices. The vessel will then cross the Atlantic for the 3rd time before returning to her home port of Saint Malo, and to the place of her christening in Paris (2017) to coincide with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A decisive and exciting year!
After arriving in Fort Lauderdale on February 27, the vessel will sail to Washington, D.C. (March 14 to 20), a major stop on her journey in this election year, to raise awareness and welcome on board political and economic decision-makers, academics, etc., and demonstrate the concrete solutions already available for a low-carbon society, particularly in the maritime sector.
The United States, the world's 2nd largest energy consumer after China, occupies a central position on the energy scene. The Biden administration has adopted a historic €360 billion plan to reduce the country's CO2 emissions by 40%, with debates oscillating between energy reality and ecological roadmap. As the world's 2nd largest emitter of greenhouse gases, American ambitions play a central role in the context of global warming.
In New York, Energy Observer will welcome on board investors, UN officials, NGOs, schoolchildren and students. This highly awaited stopover will conclude on Earth Day, April 22, with a spotlight on the "Solutions" web-series. A web-series of a hundred short, entertaining episodes aiming to promote concrete solutions for changing the world, filmed during the vessel's round-the-world Odyssey.
Accor, BPCE and its subsidiary Natixis, Toyota, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Battery Park City, Brookfield, etc. - many of Energy Observer's well-established partners in the United States will be fully mobilized during these eventful weeks on the East Coast.
The final American stopover will be in Boston, a mecca of knowledge and training, with a university network focused on the energy transition and renewable energies (MIT Energy Initiative, Future Energy Systems Center, etc.).
In 2024, we'll also be doing a state-of-the-art review of decarbonization in the marine sector by producing an educational series on "maritime fuels of the future". Whether battery, hydrogen, ammonia, methane, methanol or SMR, this infographic series will provide keys to understanding the advantages and disadvantages of these low-carbon fuels, and their place in the maritime landscape.
On June 14, Saint-Malo, cradle of navigators and home port of Energy Observer, will celebrate her return to France after a 7-year round-the-world Odyssey.
Finally Paris, with a return in July to the place of her christening celebrated in July 2017, during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The vessel's schedule in 2024:
- Fort Lauderdale, United States | February 26 to March 3
- Washington, United States | March 14 to 20 The Warf Marina
- New York, United States | April 10 to 22 North Cove Marina at Brookfield place, Battery Park City
- Boston, United States | May 1 to 5
- St John's, Canada | May 19 to 22
- Saint-Malo, France | June 14 to 26
- Paris, France | Summer 2024, until mi-October