Rockwell Automation Announces Strategic Partnership with Energy Observer for E03

Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced its ongoing collaboration with Energy Observer by supporting the development and launch of the Energy Observer 3 (EO3) water vessel. This next-generation laboratory ship will test various low-carbon solutions in real maritime conditions and establish new standards for decarbonization and innovation in maritime mobility.

Operating without direct greenhouse gas emissions, the laboratory ship pioneered an energy system using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier. EO3 integrates an ammonia cracker, dual fuel cells (proton exchange membrane and solid oxide fuel cell), a 100% ammonia engine with NOx post-treatment, batteries, automatic wind-driven sails and a superstructure fully covered with high-efficiency solar cells.

Far more than a technology platform, EO3 will also serve as a venue bringing together engineers, researchers, artists and decision-makers for experimentation, audiovisual production, educational activities and international events.

Emmanuel Guilhamon, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Rockwell Automation, said, "Our partnership with Energy Observer is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, expertise and shared values come together. For nearly a decade, Rockwell Automation has supported Energy Observer's mission to pioneer sustainable energy solutions at sea. Energy Observer 3 represents the next chapter of our collaboration; by combining advanced automation, data management and human creativity, we are delivering real progress in maritime decarbonization. Together, we are committed to building a more sustainable future — one journey at a time."

The first test bench preparing the simulation of the energy chain in EO3 will incorporate the latest IT/OT, visualization and data management solutions.

These technologies will support EO3's hybrid energy systems involving ammonia cracking, hydrogen fuel cells and battery storage, and will enable real-time monitoring, optimization and data-driven decision-making for both open ocean and land operations.

Energy Observer 3, leveraging Rockwell Automation's technologies and services, will benefit from:

• Advanced energy efficiency and autonomy, maximizing performance while minimizing environmental impact
• Robust data management and analytics, empowering the crew to innovate and optimize operations in real time
• Global service and support, with Rockwell Automation field engineers providing rapid response and technical expertise regardless of where the vessel operates
• Open, user-friendly platforms, enabling the Energy Observer team to independently manage, program and maintain systems even in remote environments

Rockwell Automation's collaboration with Energy Observer began in 2016, providing automation solutions and global service support for the original Energy Observer 1 catamaran, which completed a seven-year global journey demonstrating the viability of renewable energy systems. The collaboration has grown through shared commitment to continuity, reliability and sustainability, with Rockwell Automation's technical teams remaining engaged throughout the journey.

Bénédicte Gallon, Deputy Director General of Energy Observer, said, "As Energy Observer embarks on its most ambitious journey, our collaboration with Rockwell Automation is more than a technical partnership — it is a shared journey toward a carbon-neutral future. The trust and continuity we have built together over the years have made it possible to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability. With EO3, we are integrating world-class automation and data technologies, but we are also demonstrating how collective expertise and shared values can accelerate the energy transformation for the maritime sector and beyond."

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. By combining human imagination with the potential of technology, it extends what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to customers across more than 100 countries as of the end of fiscal year 2024.

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