CLEANFERRY_Pathways to decarbonising ferry operations across the River Tyne

The main motivation of this project stems from the urgency to reduce the current dependency of the UK maritime sector on fossil fuels, thereby reducing the generation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although a slow transition towards alternative fuels has been triggered, maritime transport, including cross river ferry operation, still depends heavily on fossil fuel combustion, which contributes to and creates significant challenges with regard to air pollution and climate change. This is the case with the Shields Ferry service.

Advances in knowledge and state-of-the-art technology related not just to clean propulsion systems but also accurate data collection used by Newcastle University provides a unique opportunity for this regional partnership to combine their respective know-how to transform the carbon footprint of the ferry service which can be shared with other similar services elsewhere in the Country, maximising its impact.

CLEANFERRY aims to define and develop a detailed technology route map for the Shields Ferry service based on data intelligence, innovative solutions and energy-efficient operational strategies for the transition to a carbon-free proposition. As part of this process, the project will develop a detailed energy flow architecture for the existing ferry service as a backbone for transition towards a proof of concept for carbon free propulsion system and associated operational innovations. This process pursues fulfilling Nexus' 2025 vision and strategy for this essential service for the North and South Tyneside communities.