Hydrogen retrofit for Prince Madog UK research ship

The Tranship II project will see the hydrogen system installed alongside the Madog’s existing diesel engine. This will enable the ship to operate with zero emissions for short trips, such as the day excursions it facilitates for Bangor’s marine science students. When operating deeper into the Irish and Celtic Seas, the hybrid system will reduce diesel emissions by up to 60 per cent.

“With an ambition to be leaders in this field, it is only fitting that our vessel is moving over to cutting-edge technology which significantly reduces emissions,” said Professor John Turner, head of Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences.

“Reducing our carbon footprint by moving over to hydrogen power means Bangor University can continue to build upon our world-leading understanding of the environment and physical positioning of marine energy sites in a sustainable way.”

The multi-partner project will be led by O.S Energy, which owns and operates a fleet of dedicated offshore service vessels. It is hoped that the Prince Madog can serve as a pathfinder for vessels in offshore support, a sector estimated to be worth £26bn by 2050 and requiring an additional 1,200 vessels in the UK alone, according to the Offshore Catapult.