In a historic breakthrough for maritime decarbonisation, ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel (USV) PIONEER has successfully completed the world’s first continuous, remote 24-hour offshore operation on zero emissions. This landmark achievement demonstrates the viable commercial potential of hydrogen power for maritime operations.
The sea trials demonstrate the commercial potential of hydrogen power for maritime operations while supporting the UK’s ambition to become a world leader in clean maritime innovation.
During the trial, PIONEER sailed to the Eddystone Lighthouse, 12 nautical miles from her home berth at Turnchapel Wharf, Plymouth, and performed continued operations at sea for a full 24 hours under hydrogen-electric power, with Cattewater Harbour’s Amy Jane on station as her support vessel.
The vessel’s autonomous systems, stability and hydrogen performance were monitored around the clock, generating valuable data now being shared with research partners including the University of Southampton and MarRI-UK.
The achievement follows PIONEER’s recent certification under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 Annex 2, a world-first approval for a remotely operated, hydrogen-powered vessel.
The maritime sector currently accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with industry drive to find viable zero-emission alternatives. By proving hydrogen’s reliability at sea for remote operations, PIONEER sets a new benchmark for how future fleets could dramatically cut carbon, while reducing costs and risks in offshore operations.
Neil Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean, said: “PIONEER’s recent certification and completion of sea trials successfully brings to a close our demonstrations under UK Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition (CMDC), funded by the UK Department for Transport.
“These sea trials have once again highlighted the importance of robust and reliable systems. It is a testimony to the tireless work of our engineering and marine operations teams that within just a few short months from launch, we have achieved multiple milestones and world firsts. These achievements were made possible through the support of our partners, including Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, and the wider Plymouth marine ecosystem.”
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master, Cattewater Harbour, said: “The hard work and tenacity of the ACUA Ocean team to achieve the UK first registration for Pioneer as a MCA coded vessel is, just that, pioneering.
I am continually astounded at the innovative ideas, prototypes and end products that are being created and then tested and trialled within Cattewater Harbour from the marine autonomy businesses within Turnchapel Wharf.
ACUA Ocean’s UK certification of their innovative vessel has set the precedence for the industry. Congratulations to all involved.”
PIONEER will be showcased to a global audience at DSEI and London International Shipping Week in September, positioning ACUA Ocean and the UK at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation and autonomy.
