As the Barnier government nears the end of its term, Transport Minister François Durovray officially named the Zulu 06, Sogestran’s hydrogen-powered river boat and the first of its kind in France.

Praised by the French Ministry of Ecology as a groundbreaking innovation in the mass transport of goods, this milestone represents a major step forward for sustainable transport. The naming ceremony took place at Port de Javel Haut and was attended by notable figures such as Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. The project is partially funded by the European Union under the Flagships initiative, which supports the deployment of two hydrogen fuel cell ships on European rivers, including the Zulu 06.

Also present were Delphine Bürkli, representing the Ile-de-France region, Cécile Avezard from VNF (Voies Navigables de France), and Philippe Boucly, Chairman of France Hydrogène.

The Zulu 06 is a self-propelled urban distribution boat designed for river operations. Sogestran’s hydrogen-powered innovation has been in development for five years, with the past three dedicated to creating this first-of-its-kind vessel for French rivers. The Sogestran group is exploring hydrogen alongside other decarbonization solutions, including HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), electric propulsion, and velics for maritime transport.

“Zulu 06 is a source of pride for our employees and a symbol of the family group’s innovation,” said Pierre-Yves Girardet, Director of the Sogestran group.

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