Hydrogen-powered vessel completes 24-hour sea trial in UK

A hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel (USV) has completed what is claimed to be the “world’s first continuous, remote 24-hour offshore operation on zero emissions.”

IMAGE: Hydrogen-powered USV Pioneer conducting remote sea trial in Plymouth, UK. Cattewater Harbour

The vessel, Pioneer, operated by UK shipbuilder ACUA Ocean, sailed about 12 nautical miles from Turnchapel Wharf to Eddystone Lighthouse off Plymouth, according to Cattewater Harbour.

USVs are autonomous boats that operate remotely or independently without crew on board, often used for collecting oceanographic and atmospheric data.

During the trial, Pioneer ran fully on hydrogen-electric propulsion under remote control, supported offshore by Cattewater Harbour’s workboat Amy Jane.

Cattewater Harbour described the trial as a milestone for clean shipping, saying it “demonstrates the commercial potential of hydrogen power for maritime operations while supporting the UK’s ambition to become a world leader in clean maritime innovation.”

By Konica Bhatt

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