World-First Green Hydrogen Shore-Power Pilot Project Revolutionizes Maritime Decarbonisation in Scotland
Key Ideas
- A consortium in Scotland has successfully generated electricity for a tugboat using green hydrogen from waste water, marking a world-first in maritime decarbonisation.
- The project involved establishing green hydrogen production at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, providing power to a 2019-built Targe tugboat.
- The initiative, part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 funded by the UK Department for Transport, aims to develop technology for decarbonising the UK maritime sector.
- The use of green hydrogen in powering the tugboat demonstrates a significant step towards cleaner, more sustainable maritime operations and showcases a commitment to net-zero operations by the consortium.
In a groundbreaking development, a consortium in Scotland has achieved a world-first by generating electricity for a tugboat in a green hydrogen-based shore-power pilot project. Forth Ports, in collaboration with Targe Towing, Plus Zero Power, Logan Energy, and Waterwhelm, utilized green hydrogen from processing waste water to power a harbour tug in the Port of Leith in Edinburgh. This initiative, part of the Clean Ports of the Future project, involves a novel water treatment technology at the Seafield water treatment plant to provide purified water for hydrogen production through electrolysis. The generated green hydrogen is then used to power a Targe tugboat, replacing the need for a diesel generator. The successful demonstration of this green hydrogen shore-power solution for marine use is a significant milestone in maritime decarbonisation. It not only highlights a move towards cleaner and more sustainable maritime operations but also reflects a commitment to net-zero operations. The project, funded by the UK Department for Transport as part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4, is focused on developing technology to decarbonize the UK domestic maritime sector. This innovative use of green hydrogen in powering a tugboat sets the stage for a new era of clean and sustainable port and maritime operations, positioning Forth Ports among a select group of global ports leading in green hydrogen production.