Pioneering decarbonisation project to create a scalable model for zero-emission short-sea crossings

The world’s busiest chain ferry service has embarked on a ground-breaking journey to achieve zero emissions. The Torpoint “Bridge to Zero” project will deliver a fully costed, engineering-ready plan to transition the Torpoint Ferry service from fossil fuel power to 100% shore-supplied green electricity – providing a blueprint to decarbonise the entire fleet and inform the next generation of vessels due in 2034.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and in all weather conditions, Torpoint is the world’s busiest chain ferry service by daily crossings and passenger volumes, carrying over 3 million vehicles and 400,000 pedestrians annually across the River Tamar between Torpoint (Cornwall) and Devonport (Plymouth).

The service is operated by Tamar Crossings, which is jointly owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council. Itsunique chain propulsion system, tidal river environment, and rapid embarkation / disembarkation schedule make full decarbonisation technically challenging – but also highly relevant for other short-sea vessels in the UK and worldwide.

The decarbonisation project could ultimately reduce the CO₂ emissions of the three Torpoint ferries by up to 1000 tonnes per annum.

Supporting Jobs and Boosting Growth

The project is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Transport through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).

Maritime Minister, Keir Mather said: “Our £300,000 investment into Torpoint Ferry will be transformational in the region as we chart a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and build a cleaner, greener future.

“This comes as part of our wider commitment to decarbonise shipping backed by a £448m investment to clean up sea travel whilst supporting jobs and boosting growth across the UK.”

The Torpoint “Bridge to Zero” project will be delivered by a multidisciplinary consortium:

• Marine Zero – project leadership, charging solutions, and CAPEX/OPEX modelling
• Torpoint Ferries (Tamar Crossings) – operational expertise and vessel access
• University of Plymouth – performance data collection and analysis
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The project gets underway as the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meets at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters in London to agree on incorporating the Net Zero Framework, which includes stronger global regulatory incentives to accelerate scalable zero-emission fuels and propulsion technologies.

Tim Munn, managing director at Marine Zero – clean maritime energy specialist and project lead – emphasised the project’s wider significance. He said: “With Torpoint, we’re proving that even the most demanding 24/7 maritime operations can transition to zero emissions. Our goal is to create solutions that are not just technically feasible, but financially viable and scalable – safeguarding a vital regional service whilst setting a global example for short sea shipping.”

Philip Robinson, Chief Officer, Tamar Crossings, added:

“We are proud to be leading this transformation. This work will safeguard our service for the next generation and support the South West’s growing clean maritime sector. By solving the challenges here, we can help operators across the UK – and beyond – make the shift to zero emissions.

Sarah Fear, Sector lead (Marine and Low Carbon) at the University of Plymouth, said:

“This project advances the world-leading reputation for clean maritime research, operational expertise, and innovation in Plymouth and South-East Cornwall. By capturing and analysing detailed performance data, we will generate evidence-based solutions that can be applied to the Torpoint Ferries, and to many other ferry routes in the UK and globally that are facing similar constraints.”