23rd July 2013 – Last Thursday in Bristol people assisted to the celebrations for the UK’s first hydrogen-powered ferry which is operating off the European Green Capital’s Harbourside.

Clean and green, producing zero emissions, the ferry service is showcasing the commercial advantages of this technology to businesses, residents, commuters and tourists during a pilot scheme over the summer. The aim is to kick-start enterprise in new environmental technology and new areas of economic growth in Bristol, providing investment and more jobs for people in the technologies of the future.

The ferry will be operated by Bristol Hydrogen Boats, a consortium formed between the directors of No: 7 Boat Trips, the Bristol Packet and Auriga Energy which developed the fuel cell system, while Air Products supplies the hydrogen and the dockside refuelling station.

Initial funding of £225,000 was provided by the city council as part of its Green Capital initiatives.

The ferry, which is licensed to carry up to 12 passengers per journey, began service in Bristol in February and will continue until August 21, 2013.

Councillor Gus Hoyt, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Council Housing, said: “The commissioning of this pilot ferry service is an exciting first for the city. We continue to achieve international recognition for our innovative approach to making Bristol more environmentally-friendly.

“It will showcase to Bristol, the UK and the world, the benefits of a technology that produces zero emissions. It is in line with the Mayor’s vision of Bristol as a ‘Laboratory for Change’ – with the city developing pioneering practices that will not only benefit Bristol, but will hopefully become a model for cities around the world.”

Emma Guthrie, Business Development Manager, Hydrogen Energy Systems Air Products said: “The Hydrogenesis ferry is a genuine example of how hydrogen can be used to power a transport vehicle in a green and efficient manner.”

“Air Products is providing both the SmartFuel® hydrogen and the fuelling station for this project since it is these kinds of innovative ideas we consider to be important in getting the general public, industry and Government to take notice of hydrogen and the contribution it could make to cutting air pollution. If the UK is to cut emissions from transport then hydrogen must be part of the future transport mix.”

Hydrogenesis, as the ferry is called, will be on the water during the forthcoming Harbour Festival and throughout the summer, calling at all the landing stages and dropping off by request. The aim is to reach as wide an audience as possible.

Compared to petrol and diesel engines, hydrogen-powered transport has a significantly smaller environmental impact as it produces no direct emissions; the only waste product is water. This would produce a big drop in air and water pollution as well as reduced noise in the harbour if the technology were to be widely adopted.

 

Source: Bristol City Council, press release, 22/07/2013