Inside the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Docking System

World’s First Green Hydrogen Shore Power Demonstrator Unveiled at Port of Leith

Last week, the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, marked a historic milestone with the unveiling of the world’s first green hydrogen shore power demonstrator. Spearheaded by a coalition of forward-thinking stakeholders, including Forth Ports, Targe Towing, Logan Energy, PlusZero, and Waterwhelm, this groundbreaking initiative showcases how green hydrogen can revolutionize maritime operations. Funded through the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4), the project represents an important step in decarbonizing ports and reducing emissions from docked vessels.

With backing from Innovate UK and the Scottish Government, the demonstrator proves that innovation and collaboration can transform the maritime industry, aligning it with global net-zero goals.

Technology Advancements

At the heart of the green hydrogen shore power demonstrator is a suite of cutting-edge technologies that enable clean energy generation from sustainable resources. The process begins with advanced water treatment technology developed by Waterwhelm. Effluent from a nearby wastewater treatment plant is repurposed to create reusable water, a resource critical for hydrogen production. This innovative approach not only ensures no strain on local water supplies but also achieves the lowest-ever rate of electricity consumption and carbon emissions for water reuse systems.

Logan Energy’s state-of-the-art electrolyser technology then splits the treated water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. The hydrogen is stored and subsequently used to fuel PlusZero Power’s Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE)-powered generator. This generator produces clean electricity, which supplies shore power to tugboats docked at the port. By replacing diesel-burning auxiliary engines, this system significantly reduces harmful emissions.

The project also integrates waste heat utilization, ensuring that every element of the system operates with maximum efficiency. Together, these technologies showcase a practical application of green hydrogen in port environments, setting new sustainability benchmarks for maritime energy needs.

What is a Shore Power Demonstrator?

• A system designed to supply electricity to docked ships from a land-based power source, eliminating the need for onboard diesel generators.
• The Port of Leith’s demonstrator uses green hydrogen as a renewable, zero-emission energy source.
• Key technologies involved:
  • Water treatment: Converts wastewater into reusable water for hydrogen production.
  • Electrolysis: Splits water into hydrogen and oxygen to create clean fuel.
  • Hydrogen-powered generators: Produce electricity to power docked vessels.
• Purpose: To reduce carbon emissions and air pollution from ships while berthed at the port.
• Acts as a pilot project to demonstrate the feasibility of scaling this technology for broader maritime use.

Environmental and Industry Impact

The environmental benefits of the green hydrogen shore demonstrator are substantial. Ports often rely on diesel generators and engines to power docked vessels, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning to green hydrogen, the Port of Leith eliminates reliance on fossil fuels during shore operations, cutting emissions and improving local air quality.

For the maritime sector, this development signals a turning point. Decarbonizing ports has long been a challenge given the scale and energy demands of ships and their auxiliary systems. The successful implementation of this demonstrator illustrates that clean technologies, specifically green hydrogen, can address these logistical hurdles.

The project aligns with the objectives of the Forth Green Freeport initiative, which seeks to expand the hydrogen economy and alternative fuels market in the region. Beyond environmental gains, this initiative highlights Scotland’s emerging leadership in hydrogen innovation. It positions the country as an international hub for sustainable maritime operations and boosts local economic growth by supporting renewable energy jobs and infrastructure development.

Project Timelines and Future Goals

The green hydrogen shore power demonstrator was conceived under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, a £23.6 million initiative by the UK Department for Transport. The project received over £535,000 in funding to support its launch. Demonstrated for the first time on March 13, 2025, the system is now fully operational at the Port of Leith, providing clean energy to large tugboats operated by Targe Towing.

Looking forward, stakeholders have ambitious plans to scale the technology to other ports across Scotland and beyond. Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive Officer of Forth Ports, emphasized the commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across the organization by 2042. Replicating the demonstrator’s success to benefit ports in the UK and internationally will play a significant role in achieving this goal.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop lauded the project as a “world first for Scotland,” expressing hope that similar systems will be implemented globally. Logan Energy, PlusZero, and Waterwhelm have echoed these aspirations, outlining their commitment to refining and expanding the adoption of green hydrogen solutions to larger vessels and more complex maritime operations.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the green hydrogen shore power demonstrator at the Port of Leith is more than a technological achievement; it is a tangible step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for the maritime industry. By turning wastewater into renewable energy and replacing diesel with hydrogen-based power, the project underscores the potential for innovation to tackle some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.

While challenges remain in scaling such technologies and aligning global maritime practices, this initiative offers a blueprint for progress. It combines environmental stewardship with industry advancement, paving the way for cleaner ports, healthier communities, and a resilient maritime sector. With Scotland leading the charge, the global maritime industry has a clear example to follow in its quest for sustainability.