Harnessing tidal energy as a power source for vessels in port

Tidal whirlpool at Saltstraumen Maelstrom in Northern Norway near Bodo.

A feasibility study looks at the potential of tidal energy as a power source for vessels in port, creating an alternative to traditional emissions-heavy fuel.

Maritime renewable technology specialist Sunborn Energy is leading a project to harness unused tidal energy and provide shoreside power to reduce the carbon footprint of ships in port.

Shipping contributes significantly to global emissions, and larger vessels consume substantial power while docked.

A solution is required that offers a clean and reliable alternative power source for vessels at ports. The solution should be easily integrated into existing systems and infrastructure, and improve air quality in port communities.

Tidal gravity generator (TGG)

The TGG project is a feasibility study that looks at the potential of tidal energy as a power source for vessels in port, creating an alternative to traditional and emissions-heavy fuel power. The project is led by Sunborn Energy.

Sunborn’s novel TGG generates electricity from the rising and falling tide, by a new approach to harvesting the gravitational energy potential of the weight and buoyancy of the structure as it moves in the water. The TGG is designed specifically for ports, harbours, floating structures and infrastructure.

The project scope

The project will run for 12 months from April 2024 to March 2025. It will see project partners Imperial College London, Mott MacDonald and the Port of London Authority all supporting the development of Sunborn’s concept.

Within the project, a detailed design will be developed for the TGG generator. The design will look at the footprint benefits of including this within existing port infrastructure, as well as the potential measurement of energy and output from the system.

Monitoring and power management, as well as the make-up of the mechanisms within the system, will also be a key part of this planning phase.

Economic considerations will also be reviewed as part of the production of an initial business plan. This includes potential locations, manufacturing costs and potential returns for users, as well as data around the high reliability and potential of tidal power.

Aims and ambitions

The main aim for this feasibility stage is to move the concept forwards and identify the areas within the innovation that need refinement or that can be explored further.

After completing the design and planning efforts, as well as refining the energy harvesting systems in use, the project will turn its attention to completing a pre-demonstration trial on the Thames. This will help create data and feedback for future developments.

Recognising the path to innovation through this concept, Andrew Shaw, Project Manager at Sunborn Energy, said:

There is so much potential within tidal power that is so far untapped.

A typical UK tidal range gives a real opportunity for power generation, especially with the size and weight of these substantial platforms, and we’re proud to be playing a role in driving innovation forward in this space through this and our other potential projects.

The support from this competition and its focus on the maritime space has been so valuable in helping us take these first steps through the design of the system.

The process has also helped us stay on track with our objectives and challenge our plans through to how they can be delivered effectively.

About the funding

This project is part of the clean maritime demonstration competition round four (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK.

CMDC4 is part of DfT’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions programme, a £206 million initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.

The programme will include a multitude of technologies including:

  • hydrogen
  • electric
  • ammonia

This funding will place the UK among the leading nations in the development of new and innovative vessels and port infrastructure, supporting its rich maritime industry and coastal communities.

Top image:  Credit: RelaxFoto.de, iStock, Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

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