A consortium led by the UK-based company ELIRE Maritime has confirmed the technical feasibility of a fully off-grid floating hydrogen energy hub designed for ports.
The project received a £1 million grant under a UK government-funded innovation program.
The initiative aims to demonstrate that ships berthed at ports can be supplied with clean energy without relying on conventional shore power infrastructure. The system combines hydrogen storage, fuel cells, batteries, and renewable energy sources to deliver up to 5 MW of continuous clean electricity to vessels.
According to the consortium, the platform could provide shore-side power for mid-sized cruise ships and other large vessels. During the six-month program, hydrodynamic testing, structural analyses, and electrical system assessments were carried out.
Emission studies conducted as part of the project indicate that the system could reduce emissions from berthed vessels by approximately 77 percent compared with traditional diesel generators.
The company is now exploring opportunities to expand the technology across the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia.
