The first London conference dedicated to Greening Inland Shipping has been welcomed by delegates and is set to accelerate the adoption of cleaner propulsion technologies on the Thames.
In the space of just seven hours the 190 plus delegates heard from 21 speakers and had opportunity speak with 19 companies and institutions in the exhibition. International speakers from Finland, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands shared their experience on ground breaking research, product innovation and lessons learnt in adopting new technology across inland ferry, barge and tug operations.
International research projects showcased at the event included: inland freight focused CLean INland SHipping (CLINSH), all electric ferry research TrAM Transport Advanced and Modular, and hydrogen focused projects HySeas III and FLAGSHIPS. Hans Thornell of Green City Ferries showcased a unique all electric ferry which ‘floats’ on a cushion of air to reduce friction and MBNA Thames Clippers set out their plans for the UK’s first all-electric ferry on the Thames at Rotherhithe.
Commenting on the event, which the Port of London Authority (PLA) convened as part of its air quality strategy, Wood’s Silver Fleet managing director, Tom Woods, said: “The conference was a great way to find out what technology is out there and who we need to be talking to when we want to find out more. We’re now in a position where our discussions about future fleet developments will be much better informed. As we push ahead with investment in our pier and other infrastructure, it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
London’s deputy Mayor for environment and energy, Shirley Rodrigues delivered the key note address at Greening Inland Shipping. She heralded Cross River Partnership (CRP) who opened the first round of funding applications for vessel operators on the Thames to bid to have their vessels retrofitted with greener propulsion systems, with support from the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund. More details on the Fund can be found here: http://crossriverpartnership.org/projects/clean-air-thames/http://crossriverpartnership.org/projects/clean-air-thames/
. . . . . continue reading the article on the Port of London Authority website
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