We all know how saunas are a huge thing in Finland, and so it is not surprising that one of the projects Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof) embarked on is a sauna. Not just any sauna. It is a sustainable sauna powered by hydrogen. Plus, it floats. That’s right. It is a sustainable sauna boat.
The project, led by Cefmof, brings together Yamaha and other technology partners to realize this floating sauna. So, yeah, you can chill out in the heat while being scooted along a waterway or around a body of water, taking in the changing scenery. How cool is that?
Granted, floating saunas are not new. They have existed for decades, but this time, you’d be doing so without choking up the greenery surrounding the lake. In addition, this sustainably fueled floating sauna uses the same fuel for both propulsion and sauna heating, whereas traditional floating saunas use different fuels for propulsion and heating.
Speaking of propulsion, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity to power Yamaha’s HARMO electric propulsion and steering system. Hydrogen is also burned directly to heat the sauna, using technology jointly developed by Harvia and Toyota. Of course, Toyota. Who knows hydrogen better than the automaker that wholeheartedly believes hydrogen is the fuel of the future?
That’s not it for hydrogen; it also fuels the onboard grill. I know, right? If you want to go green, might as well go all the way, right?
The boat uses swappable hydrogen cartridges, which allow replenishment without a permanent hydrogen refueling facility at the harbor. According to Cefmof, approximately 1 kg of hydrogen provides a two-hour experience combining cruising, sauna use, and grilling.
I don’t know the currency of this value, but I am guessing it is fuel-efficient? I mean, after all, this usage covers the combined experience. I take it as a flex.
For the propulsion, Yamaha’s HARMO was chosen for its quiet, low-vibration rim-drive system, which is particularly suited for low-speed maneuvering—useful when the passengers are trying to relax rather than listen to an engine or constantly “massaged” by the motors.
But before you get too excited, Cefmof’s hydrogen-powered sauna boat is only a proof of concept, with no commercial sales planned at this stage.
Images: Central Finland Mobility Foundation/Yamaha Motor [EU].
