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The MED Group shipyard recently unveiled the technical details of the TYKUN H1, a 12-meter hydrogen-powered aluminum boat designed for everyday use. The aim? To offer fast, clean navigation, with up to 60 nautical miles of autonomy and a top speed of 35 knots.
But while the performance figures are eye-catching, the most interesting aspect is the technical choices made to integrate a hydrogen system into a dayboat hull.
Simplified hybrid propulsion to avoid the pitfalls of complex systems
The H1 is not a pure hydrogen boat, but an electric model equipped with a fuel cell operating as a range extender. The main energy comes from a battery bank that powers the electric motors, while the hydrogen fuel cell recharges these batteries during navigation. In the absence of a hydrogen station, it can always be recharged via a simple shore power outlet.
The system is based on four tanks invisibly integrated into the structure, containing a total of 32 kilos of hydrogen compressed at 350 bar. In terms of performance, the cruising speed range is given as around 20 knots.
The question of autonomy: between promise and actual use
The advertised range of 60 nautical miles needs to be put into perspective. It depends on the propulsion mode used (battery alone or battery + hydrogen), cruising speed and navigation profile. In practice, sailing at 20 knots for a day, without a prolonged stopover, leaves little room for improvisation.
For users, this means precise planning of access to hydrogen filling stations or conventional electric recharging via the terrestrial network. The presence of the NatPower H network, a partner in the project, is an asset in development, but still limited to around forty refuelling points.
Integrating the hydrogen system: an architectural challenge
The MED Group shipyard, with the support of designer Tommaso Spadolini, designed an aluminum structure to conceal the hydrogen system components (tanks, fuel cell, ventilation, etc.) without sacrificing the boat's lines or storage space.
The deck is raised by 10 centimetres to ensure natural and forced ventilation of the compartments. The air intakes are discreetly integrated into the T-top uprights. A work of naval architecture that draws on the shipyard's experience in custom-building chaseboats for yachts.
Safety: what standards for hydrogen-powered yachts?
The TYKUN H1 is based on Type Approved equipment, i.e. equipment validated by recognized marine classification societies. This applies in particular to hydrogen tanks, batteries and fuel cell modules. The system is designed to allow natural or assisted ventilation in all circumstances.
System integration is intended to be intuitive and straightforward, inspired by the prototypes built for America's Cup chaseboats. Filling the tanks is claimed to take less than three minutes, addressing one of the main weaknesses of electric propulsion: recharging time.
Aluminum, customization and design: choices designed for yacht use
Based on the TYKUN range (MED construction sites), the H1 remains configurable and customizable. The use of aluminum facilitates this modularity, while retaining its dynamic lines and usable volume despite the technical constraints of the hydrogen system. The ability to use it as a tender or as a stand-alone dayboat remains a key focus of development.
Production outlook and delivery times
The first H1 prototype is scheduled for late 2026, with an estimated construction time of eight to ten months. In the event of a series launch, the shipyard anticipates lead times of between six and eight months per unit, depending on the level of customization.
