TransShip II - RV Prince Madog Hydrogen Retrofit

TransShip II will demonstrate the use of compressed hydrogen to propel the research and survey vessel RV Prince Madog with zero emission during its operation as a world leading maritime science platform. The project will install hydrogen storage, fuel cell and battery system and integrate this with the existing drive train to provide slow speed and silent operation up to 6knots from zero emission fuel. Simultaneously, the project will install innovative, nature-inspired propeller and duct design on the vessel aiming to reduce the energy requirement of the vessel significantly.

The project will install a marine bunkering facility capable of supplying sufficient hydrogen to the Prince Madog to decarbonise its research and teaching activities which will be demonstrated through project demonstration and commercial operation of the vessel. This will be a world's first at this scale of refit and operation, highlighting the skills of the UK maritime industry and supply chain and further strengthen the UKs position in a maritime industry with global potential and rapid drive to net zero.

The demonstration of the project outcome is currently planned between May and July 2025.