ZEHPHyr

A visualization of the ZEHPHyr work packages and their interactions

Project timeline

January 2023 – August 2023

Project overview

ZEHPHyr, Zero Emission Hydrogen Powered Hovercraft, studied the feasibility of de-risking the barriers to zero emission hovercraft operations. These barriers include – operational barriers (socio-economics, crew training, regulations, life cycle impact), technical barriers (hydrogen-based propulsion system) and availability of hydrogen infrastructure (production, storage, distribution, bunkering, integration with wider infrastructure/mobility).

The central innovation in the project is investigating the feasibility of replacing diesel engines in today’s hovercraft with a zero-emission hydrogen propulsion system and in doing so, pave the way for follow-on phases of development, where the novel propulsion system will be demonstrated on 12-seat and 80-seat hovercraft.

Introduction of zero-emission hovercraft into commercial service is expected after 2025.

EMEC’s role

EMEC led on identifying the onshore infrastructure requirements which will support and enable the hydrogen hovercraft concept and understand the feasibility of hydrogen infrastructure needed to support zero emission hovercraft (production, storage, distribution, bunkering, integration with wider infrastructure/mobility).

Partners

• BlueBear (Lead Partner)
• EMEC
• Griffon Hoverwork
• Aquatera
• Bramble Energy
• Nyobolt

Funders

Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 2
Department for Transport via Innovate UK