AceOn Group, a leader in renewable electrification and SWM member, has proudly led one of the UK’s first successful trials of a hybrid hydrogen and battery retrofit propulsion system.
Funded by the UK Department for Transport and delivered through Innovate UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC3), the RESTORE (Retrofittable Propulsion System for Electric Vessels with Hydrogen Range Extender) project transformed Newcastle University’s Princess Royal research vessel into a cutting-edge research platform capable of servicing offshore wind turbines with zero emissions.
The project brought together a world-class consortium, including AceOn Group, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Engas Global, Newcastle University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool, Taurus Engineering, and CAGE Technologies.
The project culminated in April 2025 with a landmark demonstration in the North Sea and River Tyne.
“AceOn was proud to lead a multidisciplinary team at the forefront of maritime innovation. This project is a testament to the UK’s potential in clean maritime technology — creating jobs, supporting exports, and proving that British innovation can lead the world. Our experience with hydrogen is just the beginning; we’re committed to turning bold ideas into globally competitive products.”
Mark Thompson, CEO of AceOn Group
