Thursday 7 August 2025

Hydrogen Highway maps out cleaner future 

A major three-year research programme led by the Port of London Authority (PLA) has confirmed that, in theory, clean hydrogen could power the maritime sector safely, affordably, and at scale. 

The £0.5 million Maritime Hydrogen Highway project, funded by Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MaRI-UK), explored the entire hydrogen supply chain from offshore production using floating wind, to safe port-side handling and use in vessels, vehicles and logistics. 

Key findings show that hydrogen produced from UK-owned wind farms and transported by autonomous vessels could be delivered directly to ports like London’s; cutting emissions, avoiding the need for pipelines, and halving current hydrogen costs. 

As the PLA’s CEO, Robin Mortimer, says: 

“This programme is about taking a lead on maritime decarbonisation. From floating wind to autonomous hydrogen vessels, we’ve demonstrated that that there is a theoretically viable option for green hydrogen generation and transportation, using existing infrastructure. It also highlighted the essential requirements for a regulatory framework, investment, and collaboration to enable this energy transition, which is core to future decarbonisation.” 

“Hydrogen presents a huge opportunity for the UK’s port cities. This work shows how we can use our existing infrastructure and natural resources to deliver low-carbon energy exactly where it’s needed. 

For the Port of London, it also supports our path to sustainable growth, supporting jobs, trade and innovation while cutting emissions on the river and beyond.” 

The study was delivered by a UK consortium including OS Energy, several universities, ORE Catapult, and the HSE.  

Credit: Thames Freeport

Hydrogen innovation at Tilbury:

£200m investment powers net zero future 

On the 1 August, London Thames Hydrogen confirmed a £200 million private-sector commitment to build a next-generation hydrogen-from-waste facility at the Tilbury Tax Site within Thames Freeport; a major clean energy development that puts the tidal Thames at the forefront of the UK’s hydrogen revolution. 

Delivered by Chinook Hydrogen, a pioneer in advanced waste-to-hydrogen technology, and backed by Middle Eastern investment, the Tilbury facility marks a significant first step in a planned £1 billion national hydrogen corridor; a network of green hydrogen production sites to decarbonise road transport across the UK. 

The Tilbury plant will: 

• Produce up to 12 tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per day, meeting the UK Low-Carbon Hydrogen Standard 

• Use residual waste otherwise destined for landfill to generate carbon-negative hydrogen through Chinook’s patented modular gasification process 

• Eliminate over 50,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, including methane emissions from landfill 

• Create more than 150 skilled jobs in engineering, operations, logistics, and cleantech 

• Support the roll-out of hydrogen refuelling and ultra-fast off-grid EV chargers for HGVs, LGVs and cars 

A sister site in Doncaster is also planned, capable of producing 5 tonnes of hydrogen per day and providing critical infrastructure for clean transport. 

This development supports the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Net Zero targets and positions the Thames as a vital corridor for sustainable growth, innovation, and investment. 

Caption: Robin Mortimer, PLA's CEO, starts the demolition

Breaking ground

Last week (31 July) marked the symbolic beginning of the refurbishment of the Port Control Centre at our Gravesend HQ, signifying another key milestone in our Marine Centre Transformation Programme.   

Robin Mortimer, PLA Chief Executive, pressed the button to officially begin demolition works, essential for future construction plans. He was joined by representatives from Now Construction, who are the project’s Principal Contractor. 

Thames Environment Fund: apply now 

Our Thames Environment Fund is open until the end of the month, with £50,000 available to support grassroots projects that protect and enhance the tidal Thames. 

Grants of up to £15,000 are on offer for schools, charities, community groups and environmental organisations whether you're tackling litter, restoring habitats, or boosting biodiversity. 

Deadline: 5pm, Friday 29 August 2025 

Send us any updates you'd like us to include.

Email: tidalthamesnews@pla.co.uk

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