Hydrogen set to revive Devonport's Mersey River ferry service after it was axed for being unviable
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Loading... - Josefine Hansen
- 25 Jan 2023
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A Tasmanian ferry service previously described as unsafe and unsustainable and thought to have made its final trip, could be back on the water this year — but this time, powered by hydrogen.
Key points:
- 1. The ferry service across the Mersey River in Tasmania's north-west was scrapped in 2022
- 2. A new owner has been found and the company intends to power the vessel with hydrogen
- 3. It is hoped the ferry will be back on the water by the end of the year
The service — known as the Spirit of Devonport — has carried commuters across the Mersey River between East Devonport and the city centre since 1855, making it one of Australia's longest-running ferry services.
But a significant decline in passenger numbers and concerns around the safety of the vessel meant the service was scrapped in 2022.
Transport company Kinetic said it had now found a new owner for the ferry — Kedge Marine.
Managing director Adam Brancher said the company was investing $500,000 into getting the ferry back on the water.
However, instead of being powered by diesel, the passenger ferry would be powered by hydrogen — an Australian first.
"We were looking for a suitable commercial operation to convert to a hydrogen fuel cell," he said.
"We have to change, we have to decarbonise, we have to do something to reduce the impact on the environment. Read More…
