Tilbury showcases its hydrogen ambitions

Forth Ports and GeoPura are progressing plans for an on-site hydrogen production facility, positioning Tilbury as the UK’s first port to support commercial-scale hydrogen supply.

“From production and storage through to real-world applications, Tilbury and the Thames Estuary is rapidly establishing itself as a leading hub for hydrogen. Hydrogen has a critical role to play in how ports operate, from decarbonising dockside activity to enabling shore-to-ship power,” said Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura.

”Ports and maritime activity have very large energy requirements and will use the electricity grid network to fulfil these wherever possible. However, in many locations the public grid isn’t sufficient or flexible enough and then hydrogen can help bridge the gap.”

Hydrogen strategy

Forth Ports’ hydrogen strategy builds on GeoPura’s agreement to supply green hydrogen to the Lower Thames Crossing, marking the largest volume contracted for a UK construction project.

The development underpins decarbonisation across port operations and adjacent projects, while addressing grid constraints through flexible, low-carbon energy solutions.

This is expected to significantly reduce diesel consumption and associated emissions.

Deployment at Tilbury includes hydrogen-powered vehicles, on-site generation and refuelling systems, alongside infrastructure capable of supporting shore power and alternative marine fuels.

Together, these developments position the port as a key node in a wider Thames Estuary hydrogen ecosystem, supporting industrial decarbonisation and long-term energy resilience.