Scottish Western Isles Ferry Transport Using Hydrogen (SWIFTH2) project

Wood has worked at the heart of a project to discover how hydrogen generated from onshore island wind power could power ferries serving communities along the west coast and isles of Scotland. The Scottish Western Isles Ferry Transport Using Hydrogen (SWIFTH2) project is headed by the community-led Point and Sandwick Trust in collaboration with seven industry partners including Wood, and part-funded by the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.

The findings for the shortlisted routes outlined that a single 4.3MW wind turbine generator could supply the required hydrogen for the Barra to Eriskay route, while 15 turbines would be required on the Isle of Lewis for the crossing to the mainland. The potential emissions savings from the replacement of the Barra to Eriskay and Stornoway to Ullapool routes with hydrogen vessels is estimated to be around 676 and 21,815 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum respectively, a combined equivalent of taking nearly 5,000 cars off the road.

As part of the project, we also played a key role in coordinating the SWIFTH2 consortium, undertaking feasibility assessments and sharing the findings in a comprehensive report which featured in the UK Government Department for Transport 2019 Clean Maritime Plan.

By embracing a step change in thinking around hydrogen technology, there are clear tangible benefits for both urban and remote communities in providing a modern transport network, decarbonising existing infrastructure and protecting the environment.

The next phase of the project will explore the feasibility and design on the two specific ferry routes selected and associated island infrastructure required in detail.