Welcome to EarthOne: A Fresh Take on Planet‑Friendly News
AsiaOne just rolled out a brand‑new column, EarthOne, all about the environment. They’re fussing over Earth, science, and the low‑down on how we can save the planet without losing our cool.
What’s so special about EarthOne?
- Eco‑focused stories that get straight to the point.
- Science made simple – no jargon, just facts.
- Fresh takes on everything from green tech to climate trick‑ups.
Beyond the Headlines: Flying Boats Are No Longer a Far‑Off Dream
Remember when the idea of drones burst onto the scene in The Terminator? Now they’re a staple in our skies. But the next big leap? Flying boats – and yes, you can literally hear that “splash” in the future.
Enter Alain Thébault, a French entrepreneur who’s cooking up a hydrogen‑powered flying vessel called the Jet ZeroEmission. He’s proved that the brainy idea can actually lift off.
Dubai Gets the Scoop
In Dubai, Thébault unveiled his luxury flying boat. The buzz? The machine is as sleek as a spaceship, and it’s powered by something that actually does less harm to the planet. The news spread like wildfire.
Cities Growing Curious about Sky‑High Travel
Thébault’s vision: the innovation will be a hit in places where water is part of life. Picture the buzz in:
- Miami’s sunny beaches
- Switzerland’s serene lakes
- Hong Kong’s busy waterfront
- Singapore’s polished harbors
Can you imagine a beach day that swaps a sun‑tilt for a high‑altitude pump‑up? Life might just be “cooler” than we think.
Will We Be Ready for this New Mode of Travel?
Yes, apparently. The proof is there: the technology’s proved to fly. The question is if the people will rush to tinker the sky and invent the next range‑finder or hover‑board.
Bottom Line
EarthOne urges its readers to stay curious, stay green, and keep a close eye on the sky. And if you’re stuck in a city along a shoreline, consider this: the next time you need a break, tables will soon be floating over the water, powered by hydrogen and a splash of hope.
Meet “The Jet ZeroEmission”: A Hybrid Hydrofoil Bus That’ll Change Coastal Cruising
Picture an America’s Cup hydrofoil, then swap the slick racing chisel for the smooth, soaring design of an electric bus. The result is the Jet ZeroEmission, a hydrogen‑powered marvel that can lift off the water at a brisk 18 knots (about 21 mph) and cruise between 35–40 knots (65–74 kph).
Zero Emissions, All‑Stars
- Engine powered by clean hydrogen – zero emissions.
- One pilot + one crew member pilot the Jet.
- Capacity for up to 10 passengers – perfect for a luxury hop.
- Control via two iPads that let you tweak the hydrofoil’s height on the fly.
Why Dubai for the Debut?
Pascal Armoudom, the chief executive, explains:
- The UAE offers an ideal sea environment for hydrofoil testing.
- Its innovation‑friendly financial ecosystem fuels startups.
- The government’s appetite for sustainable energy drives support.
Royal Endorsement
The Jet ZeroEmission already has the seal of approval from Prince Albert II of Monaco. A prototype flew him six years ago, and he’s so impressed that the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is now backing the venture.
Takeaway
When a seamless blend of hydrofoil technology and electric bus dynamics meets hydrogen power, you get a vessel that’s fast, quiet, eco‑friendly, and ready for tomorrow’s waters. The Jet ZeroEmission promises an exhilarating ride – with a side of romance from an 18‑knots launch to 40‑knots cruise, all wrapped in a zero‑emission storyline that will make marine purists swoon.
A work in progress since the 1990s
The Tale of Thébault: Dream, Dive, and Dominate
A boy who wanted a boat that could fly
In the back‑yard of a young Thébault’s mind, a squishy, dream‑filled idea blossomed: a boat that didn’t just glide on water, but could soar like an airplane. From those doodles to a real prototype, the journey was less smooth than the wind it tried to catch.
The 1990s – A girl‑boat‑boy saga
Hydroptère – the christened name for Thébault’s hydrofoil trimaran. The man behind it also had the privilege of feeding his design to Airbus, translating ambition into a send‑off craft.
Three hard‑hits and local fame
- The first crash tested the durability of the hull.
- The second crash or the second rebuild let him apply the lesson: tweak, test, explode again.
- The third crash (the third rebuild) proved he was in and out of the conversation – “it’s the iterations that matter.”
2009 – The 50‑knot milestone
When Hydroptère finally pierced the legendary 50‑knot wind barrier, the boat spoke a phrase only the world’s fastest ocean‑sailboat could: “Hello, speed!” Throw that name into your list of bragging rights.
Playful prototypes – Seabubbles and The Jet ZeroEmission
Seabubbles was a quirky phase where Thébault tested a small bubble‑ship venture, proving that you could have a humble cloud of water and air magic. The lesson? A test that’s more imaginative than a crash.
Later came The Jet ZeroEmission, a luxury‑transport icon. Its tagline, “No Noise, No Wave, No Emission,” now sings in government halls, hotel lobbies and the desks of high‑net‑worth. For the elite stuck between luxury and conscience, it’s an answer.
Why it’s a game changer
- No sound pollution: Portable quiet.
- No wave dents: Smoother rides.
- No emissions: Zero fossil fuel.
A note from Armoudom
“Zero‑emission transport is already grid‑safe on land with electric vehicles – think Tesla. In aviation, we see startups with low‑carbon breakthroughs. Water should get the same treatment.”The outcome? An industry‑ready solution without the road to bragging at the speedway.
Ready for take-off in 2023
Sea‑Sick No More: The Jet ZeroEmission’s Upcoming Cruise
Spring is that time of year when new projects get a ribbon‑cutting shout‑out, and this September marks the kick‑off for the world’s first hydrogen‑powered luxury vessel. The whole journey will span almost a full year, and it’s already turning heads across the globe – Dubai’s top brass included.
The United Arab Emirates is on a green mission, chasing a net‑zero goal by 2050. One of their bold bets? Becoming a major player in the hydrogen export arena and snagging roughly a quarter of the market. This new boat sits just right on that horizon.
Why It’s a One‑of‑a‑Kind
Unlike the usual cheap mass‑productions, The Jet ZeroEmission’s founder, Armoudom, is all about the exclusive vibe. “It won’t be a mass‑made ship,” he insists. Prices? He’s keeping that under wraps.
Technical Coolness
- “Sailing at 80 cm above the water,” the design boasts, courtesy of smart foils that lift the hull out of the waves.
- These foils reduce water drag, meaning a quieter, lighter ride.
- Inside? A hush‑hush hydrogen engine that keeps noise to a minimum.
In practical terms, this means a smooth glide that could one day outshine even the slickest jets in your favorite sci‑fi film.
Future Travel—Smaller Sickness
Say goodbye to seasickness—or, more accurately, to the boat version of it. The gentle, low‑resistance motion coupled with a whisper‑quiet hydrogen engine is set to give travelers a chill‑by‑chill experience.
Feasts of awe, not waves, will define the next era of travel. Stay tuned for this dreamy, green voyage as it sails into reality.
