August 25, 2025
ACUA Ocean’s hydrogen-powered autonomous vessel, Pioneer, has completed the world’s first continuous 24-hour offshore operation using zero-emission hydrogen-electric power.
The trial, conducted near Plymouth, UK, demonstrated the vessel’s ability to operate autonomously and reliably at sea, sailing 12 nautical miles to the Eddystone Lighthouse and maintaining operations for a full day. Data from the trial is being shared with research partners, including the University of Southampton and MarRI-UK, to support further development of hydrogen-powered maritime technology.
Pioneer recently became the first remotely operated hydrogen-powered vessel to receive certification under the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Workboat Code Edition 3 Annex 2, a milestone highlighting its safety and operational reliability.
ACUA Ocean’s CEO, Neil Tinmouth, emphasized the achievement as a culmination of rapid development under the UK Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition, crediting the engineering and marine teams, as well as partners like Cattewater Harbour.
The vessel will be showcased internationally at DSEI and London International Shipping Week.
