EMEA News
Hydrogen Cell Ferry Attracting "A Lot of Interest"
A U.K. hydrogen-powered ferry is attracting "a lot of interest" and has performed well in its first weeks of operation, the company operating it told local website Guide2Bristol.
The 11-metre steel-hulled ferry, Hydrogenesis, is undergoing a six-month trial to test its performance in environmental and economic terms compared with standard diesel-powered ferries.
"Hydrogenesis has been running as a ferry for a few weeks now," said Keith Dunstan of Bristol Hydrogen Boats, which operates the ferry.
"What has really kept the boat busy and paying the bills is that we have attracted a lot of interest from people who wish to hire Hydrogenesis for small private parties and celebration champagne trips."
The ferry, first launched last July, was built in Bristol as part of the city's successful campaign for the European Green Capital 2015 award.
"We have also had a lot of interest in the operation of the boat and the use of hydrogen fuel technology, which means we receive a constant stream of foreign official visitors, journalists and dignitaries," Dunstan said.
The ferry uses a 12 kilowatt fuel cell and can carry 12 passengers and two crew, according to Bristol Hydrogen Boats' website.
Det Norske Veritas (DNV) said in September that it had successfully tested hydrogen fuel cell technology.
