Project Overview
The Torpoint “Bridge to Zero” project is a pioneering decarbonisation initiative aimed at transforming one of the UK’s most demanding ferry operations into a zero-emission service. Operated by Tamar Crossings, jointly owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, the chain-ferry service across the River Tamar (between Torpoint in Cornwall and Devonport / Plymouth) carries more than three million vehicles and approximately 400,000 pedestrians annually. It runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, under tidal river conditions, and is globally unique in its intensity of usage.
The goal of Bridge to Zero is to create a fully costed, engineering-ready plan to convert the ferry service to a zero-emission operation powered by shore-supplied green electricity. The project will assess multiple clean-energy solutions, including battery electric , hydrogen fuel cells, and advanced technologies such as a permanently connected cable andautomated charging connectionsto identify the most viable and scalable approach.
Funded by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) competition, through the UK Government’s Department for Transport, with Innovate UK as delivery partner, the project aligns with national ambitions to lead globally in sustainable shipping and clean maritime technologies.
The Challenge
Decarbonising the Torpoint Ferry service is a complex task. As the world’s busiest chain ferry, operating 24/7 across a tidal river, it needs a zero-emission solution that maintains reliability and performance.
Key challenges include:
- Keeping the service running continuously in all conditions without disruptions
- Installing a reliable energy supply solution
- Proving the solution is cost-effective, transferable and scalable
- Capturing performance data to validate the approach and guide future vessel designs
The project aims to cut up to 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, improve air quality, and reduce noise for communities along the River Tamar.
Project Scope & Design
Bridge to Zero is delivered by a multidisciplinary team:
- Marine Zero: Project leadership, charging and shore-power solutions, CAPEX/OPEX modelling
- University of Plymouth: Performance data collection and operational analysis
- Tamar Crossings: Operational expertise and vessel access
The project scope includes:
- Assessing multiple zero-emission propulsion options – including battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid systems, and advanced charging solutions such as cable, [as above] .
- Designing a shore-supplied green energy system based on the most effective solution for continuous 24/7 operation.
- Developing detailed CAPEX and OPEX models to assess lifecycle costs, payback periods, and the long-term financial case for zero-emission operation.
- Adapting the existing chain-ferry vessels to, integrate new battery and shore-charging systems as required by the selected technology.
- Creating an operational plan to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 service throughout the transition to electric power.
- Producing a fully costed, engineering-ready blueprint to guide implementation and support future vessel development due in 2034.
Outcomes & Next Steps
Bridge to Zero will deliver measurable environmental, operational, and strategic benefits for both the Torpoint Ferry and the wider maritime sector.
Expected outcomes include:
- Significant emissions reduction, with up to 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually
- Improved local air quality and quieter crossings for passengers and riverside communities
- Demonstration of full-scale zero-emission operation, proving viability for continuous ferry services
- A transferable blueprint to support other short-sea and chain-ferry routes
- Actionable insights and data analysis from the University of Plymouth to inform future clean maritime innovation
Next steps:
- Complete final engineering design and commercial modelling
- Begin installation of the new shore-power and charging infrastructure
- Integrate electric systems across the ferry fleet and terminals
- Monitor real-world performance and refine the model based on operational data
- Share findings through industry collaborations to accelerate clean maritime adoption
Bridge to Zero represents a critical step toward cleaner transport across the Tamar, securing a sustainable future for this essential service and setting a benchmark for ferry decarbonisation worldwide.