- PIONEER becomes the first hydrogen-powered vessel certified under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Annex 2.
- The 24-hour zero-emission sea trial demonstrates hydrogen’s reliability and potential for offshore operations.
- ACUA Ocean’s achievement highlights progress under the UK Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition, backed by the Department for Transport.
- The vessel will be showcased at DSEI and London International Shipping Week, positioning the UK as a leader in maritime decarbonization.
ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered unmanned surface vessel (USV) PIONEER has successfully carried out the world’s first remote 24-hour offshore operation with zero emissions, setting a milestone for clean energy adoption in the maritime sector, as reported by Plymouth Port.
Hydrogen-Powered Milestone in Maritime Innovation
The completion of PIONEER’s sea trials follows its recent certification under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 Annex 2, the first approval of its kind for a remotely operated, hydrogen-powered vessel. This achievement underscores the growing push within the maritime industry, which currently accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, to identify viable zero-emission alternatives. By demonstrating hydrogen’s reliability for offshore operations, PIONEER sets a new standard for how future fleets could reduce carbon emissions while improving cost efficiency and operational safety.
Neil Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean, emphasized the importance of the vessel’s certification and sea trials as part of the UK Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition, funded by the Department for Transport. He credited the company’s engineering and marine operations teams, as well as collaboration with partners such as Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, for making rapid progress since the vessel’s launch.
Captain Richard Allan, CEO and Harbour Master of Cattewater Harbour, commended ACUA Ocean’s accomplishment, noting that the certification sets a precedent for the wider industry and reflects the strong culture of maritime innovation within Plymouth.
Looking ahead, PIONEER will be presented at DSEI and London International Shipping Week this September, showcasing ACUA Ocean’s leadership in advancing hydrogen technology and reinforcing the UK’s role in maritime decarbonization and autonomy.
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Source: Plymouth Port
