Air Products will supply hydrogen to power chase boats for the 37^th America’s Cup to be held in Barcelona in 2024.

The 2024 event marks the first time that hydrogen will be used to power the boats. Each challenger competing is required to have one hydrogen-powered chase boat that supports the team during the competition.

Ivo Bols, President of Europe and Africa at Air Products, said the company is proud to collaborate with the America’s Cup on the project to demonstrate on a world stage how renewable hydrogen can help decarbonise nautical travel.”

He added, “Through this competition, viewers around the world will be able to see, for the first-time, hydrogen-powered foiling chase boats used in a competitive and challenging environment.”

The decision to use chase boats powered by hydrogen fuel cells supports ongoing efforts by the America’s Cup to decarbonise support activities at sea.

Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup, added, “When we first dreamed of bringing hydrogen-powered foiling chase boats into the America’s Cup we knew we were pushing the limits of current technology and that partnering with companies like Air Products would be necessary to implement the non-existent marine hydrogen infrastructure.”

The Generalitat of Catalonia, the City of Barcelona and the Port of Barcelona helped to establish a refuelling station that is capable of servicing the hydrogen chase boat fleet.

In support the event, Air Products has also installed a mobile hydrogen refueler at the Port of Barcelona where company technicians will fuel the boats for the competition.

The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of international sailing competition in which teams from around the world compete for the oldest trophy in international sport, dating back to 1851.