A project aiming to integrate a hydrogen diesel dual fuel injection system onboard a commercial ferry reached an important milestone yesterday.

HyDIME (Hydrogen Diesel Injection in a Marine Environment) aims to make waves in the marine industry by proving the safe integration and use of hydrogen on vessels.

The Innovate UK-funded 12-month project will use an environmentally friendly form of hydrogen as a fuel for a commercial ferry operating between Shapinsay and Kirkwall in Orkney.

Led by Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited, the project will be executed by a consortium consisting of Orkney Islands Council, High Speed Sustainable Manufacturing Institute (HSSMI), the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), and Lloyds Register.

Yesterday, Ferguson Marine Engineering completed the installation of the hydrogen tanks aboard MV Shapinsay.

© Ferguson Marine Engineering

“There’s plenty of work and challenges ahead for the team but we are eagerly anticipating the launch event when we switch on the world’s first hydrogen system aboard a commercial ropax ferry!” Ferguson Marine Engineering said in a statement.

“Exciting times ahead as we firmly believe the HyDIME project will provide a stepping stone to accelerate and de-risk future hydrogen marine projects and will contribute towards growing the hydrogen economy in the UK.”