Uncrewed surface vessel (USV) designer and builder, SEA-KIT International, heads up a novel project. To combine a hydrogen-fuelled uncrewed vessel with green-energy land-based infrastructure to support its operation on the Thames Estuary.
There are ambitious environmental targets to tackle emissions, fuel use and operational efficiency across UK ports, waterways, and wider maritime activities. To meet these net zero demands, innovation needs to extend further than present and embrace technologies with wider and longer-term potential.
A solution that can demonstrate an ability to meet a variety of different use case demands would have great potential for uptake in such a complex river-based and maritime region.
About the project
Alongside SEA-KIT, the zero emissions ports hydrogen refuelling (ZEPHR) survey vessel project includes fuel generation and refilling technology specialists Marine2o. As well as compliance and training specialists Marine Zero, and the Port of London Authority, who will host the hydrogen refuelling station on the Thames Estuary. Subsequently they will operate the ZEPHR USV during a three-year demonstration period.
These project partners have come together to focus on opportunities and use cases, initially across the 95 miles of tidal Thames. This includes mapping and monitoring activity, for an uncrewed vessel that runs on hydrogen.
The vessel is supported by land-based green-hydrogen power sources, enabling the USV to demonstrate hi-tech solutions for the maritime sector through delivery of high-quality data and operational savings.
The project scope
The ZEPHR project is looking to demonstrate extended vessel operation ranges for port operators and stakeholders through complete energy transferal. From readily accessible green electricity to 100% green hydrogen production, compression, storage and dispensing and use.
The project is headed up by SEA-KIT International, the leading designer and manufacturer of uncrewed vessel technology. Marine2o provides insight and support for the fuelling infrastructure. The Port of London Authority helps with site provision and demonstration opportunities. Marine Zero supports regulatory compliance and operational training for both the vessel and the shore-side hydrogen facility.
Hi-tech digital equipment
The work encompasses the design and build of a composite, twin-hulled, USV, powered by green hydrogen. The vessel will be capable of working at sea or in the river estuary and has the capacity to carry a wide range of hi-tech digital equipment. This includes sensors, light and sound monitoring, cameras, and drones. Initially focusing on hydrographic inspection, the vessel will begin by gathering valuable insights for monitoring and mapping the estuary around port regions.
To provide the hydrogen fuelling, a green hydrogen station will be constructed for the generation, compression, storage and dispensing elements on an estuary site hosted by the Port of London Authority.
The project will also undertake invaluable work to complete planning, permitting, training, viability, and compliance requirements. As well as reporting and assessments to help facilitate this project and provide opportunities for similar activity elsewhere.
Aims and ambitions
Advanced robotics technology is helping to solve tough challenges and re-invigorate UK shipbuilding. USVs built in the UK are already proven and working on commercial offshore projects globally, creating green jobs and evolving skillsets.
The central aim of the ZEPHR project is to showcase the ability and characteristics of the hydrogen powered USV. As part of its seabed mapping and hydrographic inspection work, the project is looking to demonstrate a level of accuracy that could provide substantial economic benefits for the shipping industry.
With varying depths, the Thames Estuary presents a complex route for container ships, with guidelines around their depth and use. More precise mapping of the sea and riverbed to identify a greater ship depth opportunity of even 10cm, would allow up to 100 more containers to be carried into London ports.
Ambitious emissions reduction targets
The ZEPHR USV, with its zero-emission operations capability, will also support the Port of London Authority in achieving its ambitious emissions reduction targets, as set out in Thames Vision 2050.
Following this initial work, the project’s ambition is to extend the use of the vessel and technology. For use on other activity around seabed classification, species identification, water quality and microplastic evaluation, among others.
Benefits to stakeholders
In power terms, the project’s ambition is to extend vessel operation for port operators with readily accessible green hydrogen. As well as demonstrate how the reduction in diesel fuel requirements will provide benefits to stakeholders across the industry.
Advances in technology contribute to the range of insights that the project has to offer, helping to position it as a leading voice for this concept in the future. When combined with the improved safety of a crewless vessel and, reduced pollution.
Hydrogen generation will be achieved via electrolysis, with electrical energy coming from a green electricity supply. Through this, the project is aiming to maximise the environmental benefits of the power supply, while also demonstrating the effectiveness of the purpose-built refuelling station infrastructure.
Looking at the impact of the funding, David Ball, Commercial Manager at SEA-KIT International, said:
This is a very challenging project, but there is a collective determination to demonstrate the benefits of green power and the latest digital innovations for port stakeholders and the wider marine industry.
Having not only the financial support, but also the wider backing and expertise of the funding bodies, has helped us push forward with our plans and advance our ambitions around upskilling and helping to create solutions that will benefit others across the sector.
About the funding
This project is part of the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme, funded by UK government and delivered by Innovate UK.
As part of ZEVI, the UK Department for Transport has allocated £80.4 million funding to 10 projects. The funding is to build clean maritime vessel and infrastructure solutions by March 2025 and operate them until March 2028. The projects are supported by 52 organisations across the UK and will leverage over £40 million private investment.
The ZEVI scheme is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme. UK SHORE is a £206 million initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector. The ZEVI scheme is delivered by Innovate UK.
Top image: Credit: SEA-KIT International