UK city port to get hydrogen ferry

The project is driven by the need to reduce pollution in the local marine environment, which up until now has not been the highest priority.

The MARPOL treaty requires further reduction for sulphur content – because hydrogen has the potential to be a truly zero emission fuel, this project aims to expedite its wider introduction.

Bristol City Council has facilitated and part funded the project. BCC’s decision to conduct the project during difficult financial times reflects an admirable vision to create a new local industry and jobs.

Subsequent approval by the Bristol Harbour Master and the procurement of insurance will see this 12 passenger vessel provide the UK’s first commercial hydrogen ferry passenger service.

Another step forward in terms of the use of hydrogen is the creation of an ‘M4 Hydrogen Corridor’ between Bristol and Swindon following the launch of the open access hydrogen vehicle refuelling station at the local Honda plant. It will manufacture Honda’s European hydrogen powered car, due on the market in 2015.

Jas Singh, managing director of Auriga Energy Ltd, said: “The opening of the Swindon refuelling facility is a great step in the introduction of truly sustainable transport solution through hydrogen power. We look forward to our leap forward with the operation of the hydrogen ferry for a sustainable economy in Bristol”.