In an effort to make Portsmouth International Port the UK’s first zero-emissions maritime hub, Cox Marine, a British diesel technology innovator, has joined the SHAPE UK consortium.

A Cox CXO300 diesel outboard engine will be converted into a dual fuel hydrogen engine in collaboration with the University of Brighton as part of this project and will be demonstrated in a port environment.

Part of the larger project of SHAPE UK is the conversion and demonstration to show that a modular green hydrogen generation system is feasible in the Port of Portsmouth International (PIP). Transporting goods by sea is critical for national and global commerce, but it is also a major source of CO2 emissions and air pollution. Ports and their operations must make the transition to carbon net-zero operations, which can be supported by the use of decentralized energy systems.

Tim Routsis, CEO of Cox Powertrain said: “I am delighted that Cox has been invited to participate in SHAPE UK. I see development of effective and useable hydrogen-based marine propulsion systems as essential if we are to drive down emissions while continuing to provide essential transportation systems. This is an area where the UK is excellently placed to develop the technologies and infrastructure which will both reduce pollutants and give birth to a vibrant new UK based economic sector.”

James Eatwell, Head of Research and Development for Cox Powertrain and SHAPE project lead for Cox said: “The maritime sector as a whole and Cox in particular, recognise the need to make a positive contribution to the significant challenges of reducing worldwide CO2 emissions. From Cox’s perspective, Hydrogen represents a highly promising option for the reduction of marine CO2 emissions, and we are delighted to be a part of this exciting project, bringing together as it does such a comprehensive range of expertise from across industry.”