Hydrocell, an innovative company based in Bolzano, is in the advanced stages of realizing the first Italian vessel equipped with a certified hydrogen propulsion system. The project is coming to life in Venice, where the fishing boat "Nobody’s Perfect" will be converted from diesel to hydrogen propulsion, marking a significant milestone in sustainable maritime technology.
In recent months, key components have been selected and are currently undergoing testing at our bench. Simultaneously, the Hydrocell team is working on the "HYMAR control" unit, the heart of the propulsion system.
The project will be showcased at two important industry fairs in Italy: the Hydrogen Expo in Piacenza, scheduled from September 11th to 13th, 2024 and the Salone Nautico di Puglia in Brindisi, scheduled from October 10th to 14th, 2024. This ambitious project involves the refitting of "Nobody’s Perfect," a 17-meter fishing vessel built in 1978 in Bordeaux, which will host the first hydrogen engine managed by the control unit developed by Hydrocell. Funded by the founding partners, the project aims to have the revamped fishing boat set sail from Venice at the 2025 Venice Boat Show.
HYDROCELL
Hydrocell’s vision is to make navigation "CO2-Free" through the use of hydrogen, focusing on:
Clean Shipping
Silent Running
Eco-Friendly Propulsion
Hydrocell CEO, Karl Manfredi, stated, "We are well on track with our project plan, which foresees the conversion of the propulsion system from diesel to hydrogen during the winter months, followed by functional tests on land and then in the waters of the Venice Lagoon. Our goal is to be ready to showcase the hydrogen-powered boat next May at the Salone Nautico Venezia."
The Three Founders
Hydrocell was founded by three entrepreneurs with extensive experience. The CEO of the company is Karl Manfredi, former CEO of Brennercom, an expert in management, telecommunications, IT, and cloud computing. The President is Federico Giudiceandrea, an electronic engineer, founder of TTControl, co-owner of Microtec and Classic Boats Venice, an expert in industrial electronics, and former President of Assoimprenditori Alto Adige. The third founder and CTO of the company is Walter Huber, a chemical engineer, founder of the IIT Hydrogen Center in Bolzano, and an internationally recognized hydrogen expert. In 2023, Hydrocell won in the "Innovation in Application" category for maritime transport at the Italian Hydrogen Technology Awards (IHTA), while last March, the company placed third in the Water Mobility category at the IoMOBILITY Awards.
