Port of London study proves viability of hydrogen supply chain

“This programme is about taking a lead on maritime decarbonisation,” said PLA chief executive Robin Mortimer. “From floating wind to autonomous hydrogen vessels, we have demonstrated there is a theoretically viable option for green hydrogen generation and transport, using existing infrastructure.”

This £1.2M (US$1.6M) project explored the entire hydrogen supply chain including safe portside handling and vessel and vehicle refuelling, with the goal of accelerating the UK’s transition to net zero. It also supported the PLA’s long-term strategy, Thames Vision, of reaching net-zero by 2040 through a transition to low and zero-carbon fuels on the rivers Thames and Medway and along their estuaries.

“It highlighted the essential requirements for a regulatory framework, investment and collaboration to enable this energy transition, which is core to future decarbonisation,” said Mr Mortimer.

The PLA-led project was funded by Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MaRI-UK) and supported by the Department for Transport, with contributions from OS Energy,

University of Strathclyde, University of Kent, University of Birmingham, Newcastle Marine Services, ORE Catapult and the UK’s Health and Safety Executive.

“The Hydrogen Highway project has laid vital groundwork for decarbonising the UK’s maritime sector,” said MarRI-UK director Sarah-Louise Keegan. “By demonstrating how clean fuels and smart technologies can be integrated into port and shipping operations, it offers a clear path toward a low-carbon future. This forward-looking collaboration highlights the critical role of co-ordinated investment and innovation in meeting our climate commitments.”

Consortium partners tackled seven interconnected work packages, from developing autonomous vessels and port integration frameworks, to mapping demand across the Thames and building economic models for UK-wide hydrogen rollout.

“Hydrogen presents a huge opportunity for the UK’s port cities,” said Mr Mortimer. “This work shows how we can use our existing infrastructure and natural resources to deliver low-carbon energy exactly where it is needed.”

Riviera’s Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2025, will return to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 30 September to 1 October 2025 to address critical environmental issues head-on. Focused on the industry’s energy transition, the conference offers a comprehensive forum for all stakeholders across the maritime sector to explore solutions and strategies for achieving low-carbon shipping and zero-emission shipping.