GBV was commissioned in 2022 by Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) to design and integrate a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain for a new chase boat. The resulting vessel, a 10-metre foiling catamaran named Chase Zero, was completed in just eight months. ETNZ handled the hull and structural design while GBV was responsible for the hydrogen-electric integration. The boat was launched in Auckland and shortly thereafter began foiling on the Waitematā Harbour, heralded as potentially the world’s fastest green-hydrogen craft.
Chase Zero is powered by two 80 kW hydrogen fuel cells (one in each hull), recharging onboard batteries that drive electric motors, delivering propulsion up to 50 knots and a cruising speed of 30–35 knots. Its debut proved the viability of zero-emission marine support craft in high-performance environments. Encouraged by Chase Zero’s success, by 2023 GBV had supported the development and deployment of five additional hydrogen-powered chase boats, for ETNZ and other teams such as Alinghi Red Bull Racing and INEOS Britannia, all of which featured prominently during the 37th America’s Cup, showcasing hydrogen marine propulsion to a global audience.