Oct. 30, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Icelandic Hydrogen used Autodesk Inventor software from Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), to design a complete on-board hydrogen energy system that powers the auxiliary engine for one of Iceland's largest whale-watching vessels, enabling it to generate the electricity on board with clean, sustainable energy rather than oil. For its groundbreaking example of how ships can reduce their environmental impact, the Iceland-based hydrogen fuel cell company has been named the Autodesk Inventor of the Month for October 2009.

Most shipping vessels are propelled exclusively by oil. Since hydrogen can be made from water alone -- and water vapor is its only by-product when burned -- hydrogen fuel cells represent a more environmentally friendly option than traditional combustion engines.

As part of the SMART-H2 project managed by the public-private company Icelandic New Energy Ltd, Icelandic Hydrogen developed its hydrogen energy system for The Elding -- a 130-ton, 150-passenger ship that serves as the flagship vessel for Iceland's largest whale-watching operation.

"Inventor software was invaluable for testing the strength of the various parts to make sure that they could safely withstand the pressure that would be put on them," said Hallmar Halldors, chief executive officer of Icelandic Hydrogen. "Digital Prototyping enabled us to fine-tune an accurate 3D model of the energy system before incurring any production costs and without compromising the safety of those involved in the project or on board the ship."

The Inventor of the Month program recognizes the most innovative design and engineering advancements made by the extensive community using Autodesk Inventor software, which takes users beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping.