UK-based renewable energy firm AceOn Group has completed one of the country’s first trials of a hybrid hydrogen and battery propulsion system for marine vessels, as part of efforts to reduce emissions from offshore wind support operations.
The £4.6 million RESTORE project – short for Retrofittable Propulsion System for Electric Vessels with Hydrogen Range Extender – retrofitted Newcastle University’s Princess Royal research vessel with a zero-emission system combining battery-electric propulsion and a hydrogen generator.
“This project is a testament to the UK’s potential in clean maritime technology – creating jobs, supporting exports, and proving that British innovation can lead the world,” said Mark Thompson, chief executive of AceOn Group. “Our experience with hydrogen is just the beginning; we’re committed to turning bold ideas into globally competitive products.”
The project was funded by the UK Department for Transport through Innovate UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC3), part of the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme. The initiative aims to support the transition of the domestic maritime sector to net-zero emissions.
RESTORE brought together a consortium including Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Engas Global, Newcastle University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool, Taurus Engineering, and CAGE Technologies.
The trial culminated with a demonstration voyage in the North Sea and River Tyne, reaching EDF Renewables’ offshore wind farm in Blyth. The test showcased the vessel’s ability to operate on battery power supplemented by hydrogen fuel, with no emissions during service.
Chi Onwurah, Member of Parliament for Newcastle Central and chair of Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, joined the demonstration and highlighted its significance. “It was absolutely fantastic to step onboard one of the UK’s first hydrogen/battery-powered retrofitted boats, which paves the way for marine developments across the world,” she said. “Forward-thinking, innovative technology solutions, such as the RESTORE project, are transformative and can revolutionise the maritime industry.”
AceOn described the successful trial as a milestone in advancing clean propulsion alternatives for crew transfer vessels (CTVs) operating in offshore wind and other marine sectors.
