ZEHPHyr: Zero Emission Hydrogen Powered Hovercraft

ZEHPHyr1, Zero Emission Hydrogen Powered Hovercraft, is an 8-month feasibility which will de-risk the key barriers to zero-emission hovercraft operations. These barriers include -- operational barriers (socio-economics, crew training, regulations, life cycle impact), technical barriers (hydrogen-based propulsion system) and availability of hydrogen infrastructure (production, storage, distribution, bunkering, integration with wider infrastructure/mobility). The central innovation in the project is the replacement of the diesel engines in today's hovercraft with a zero-emission hydrogen propulsion system consisting of MW class fuel cells, electric thrusters and high-power batteries.

The project's goal is to find credible solutions to overcoming the above barriers and in doing so, pave the way for follow-on phases of development, where the novel propulsion system will be demonstrated on 12-seat and 80-seat hovercraft. Introduction of zero-emission hovercraft into commercial service is expected in 2027/28, with letters of support received from potential end users. In addition to the hovercraft, additional spillover products are expected to be commercialised as a result of the project, namely MW class fuel cells and batteries (into other marine vessels) and electric thrusters (into other industries, e.g., aerospace).

The project team consists of a best-of-breed consortium well placed to deliver the desired goals of the project. Led by Blue Bear, the team includes, Griffon Hoverwork Limited, Bramble Energy, Nyobolt, Aquatera and the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC).