Professional access Publish your boats >
< Back to articles

Sustainable boating: what hybrid, solar and hydro-generation really change in cruising

Sustainable boating at sea

“Sustainable cruising” is no longer just a general idea: concrete systems are now emerging that combine renewable energy production, energy storage and hybrid propulsion. Among the most structured initiatives, the ODSea+ program (Fountaine Pajot / ODSeaLab) offers a “pack” approach focused on energy autonomy and reduced use of thermal engines.

ODSea+: a simple logic — produce, store, and use thermal power only as a backup

Broadly speaking, the idea behind ODSea+ is to make several energy sources work together (solar, wind and hydro-generation) with centralized management, in order to automatically prioritize renewable energies and limit reliance on the engine or thermal generator. The Azur Catamarans website (a Fountaine Pajot dealer) describes ODSea+ as a technology developed with ODSeaLab for “decarbonized and autonomous cruising”, featuring a single energy management console. (Azur Catamarans, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026)

Key takeaway: the real value of this type of system is not “zero emissions” in all situations, but its ability to reduce time spent using engines or generators, especially at anchor and during certain sailing passages.

Useful figures (when clearly stated)

Available sources provide interesting orders of magnitude — as long as we keep in mind that actual production depends heavily on conditions (sunlight, wind, sailing speed, sea state, etc.).

  • Solar: panels rated between 400 and 2000 W depending on the model size, integrated into the design. (Azur Catamarans, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026; Fountaine Pajot, ODSeaLab, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026)
  • Hydro-generation: systems capable of delivering close to 1000 W per propeller at an average speed of 8 knots (on certain setups). (Fountaine Pajot, ODSeaLab EN, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026)
  • Wind: the ODSeaLab page (EN) indicates that a pair of generators can provide around 600 W continuously (day and night). (Fountaine Pajot, ODSeaLab EN, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026)
  • Hybrid: ODSeaLab (EN) states that in October 2022, Fountaine Pajot unveiled its first “hybrid electric” catamaran (Aura 51 equipped with ODSea+). (Fountaine Pajot, ODSeaLab EN, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026)

Comparison box: onboard “clean” technologies and their limits

Quick read: no technology is “magic”. The best results usually come from a mix (solar + hydro-generation + batteries + intelligent energy management), combined with coherent usage (speed, anchoring habits, consumption). Main sources: ODSeaLab / ODSea+ and Azur Catamarans pages.
TechnologyWhat it’s used for (in practice)StrengthsLimits / points of attention
SolarCharging and powering onboard systems at anchor and while sailing.
  • Continuous production during daytime.
  • Rated power 400–2000 W depending on model. (FP / Azur Catamarans)
  • Depends on sunlight and shading (bimini, sails, rigging).
  • Production peaks around midday, varies by season and latitude.
WindComplementary energy production, especially when windy (including at night).
  • Potential day and night.
  • ODSeaLab mentions ~600 W for a pair. (FP ODSeaLab EN)
  • Irregular production (depends on actual wind at anchor).
  • Possible noise and vibration depending on installation.
Hydro-generationGenerating electricity while sailing, typically under sail.
  • Energy produced while the boat is moving — useful on passages.
  • ODSeaLab mentions ~1000 W per propeller at 8 knots (certain systems). (FP ODSeaLab EN)
  • Depends on speed and sea conditions.
  • May add drag (impact on performance depending on settings).
Hybrid (electric + thermal generator)Allow electric propulsion phases and secure autonomy via a thermal backup.
  • Centralized energy management (single console) described on ODSea+ / Azur Catamarans. (Azur Catamarans)
  • FP mentions a first hybrid model presented in Oct. 2022 (Aura 51). (FP ODSeaLab EN)
  • Not “zero emission”: thermal backup remains.
  • Higher weight, cost and complexity than standard systems.
Hydrogen (prototype / demonstrator)Exploring alternative propulsion and energy solutions for the longer term.
  • Fountaine Pajot announced a hydrogen cruising catamaran in 2023 (Samana 59 RexH2). (FP “Nouveaux enjeux, nouveau cap”)
  • Infrastructure (production, storage, refuelling) still limited.
  • Primarily an R&D / demonstrator approach at this stage.

A stated trajectory: ODSea+ and decarbonization by 2030

From a strategic standpoint, Fountaine Pajot presents an “Odyssea 2024” plan with milestones leading to carbon neutrality by 2030, including the gradual rollout of ODSea+ versions across the fleet. (Fountaine Pajot, n.d., accessed 08/01/2026)

Here again, the benefit for buyers is not only “environmental”: electric autonomy, onboard silence and the ability to stay longer at anchor without a generator can become very concrete usage criteria.

You will like also :