GeoPura, Toyota, and Port of Tilbury have joined forces to showcase how hydrogen power is already supporting maritime electrification, port decarbonisation, and clean infrastructure across the Thames Estuary.
Hosted at the historic London International Cruise Terminal, the Tilbury Hydrogen Hub event brought together more than 100 industry representatives, infrastructure leaders, and hydrogen specialists to explore real-world hydrogen applications already operating today.
First-ever hydrogen-powered rapid EV charging for a vessel dockside
A major highlight from the event was the first-ever demonstration of a mobile, hydrogen-powered rapid EV charger delivering shore-to-ship power to a commercial vessel dockside.
Powered by a GeoPura HPU2™ hydrogen generator, the system delivered zero-emission electricity without relying on a fixed grid connection, demonstrating how hydrogen power generators can support maritime electrification in ports where grid infrastructure is constrained.
The demonstration showed how mobile hydrogen power can provide flexible, clean energy for:
- Shore-to-ship power
- Dockside charging
- Port electrification
- Maritime decarbonisation
- Temporary and grid-constrained infrastructure
As ports and maritime operators face increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve air quality, hydrogen-powered shore power solutions offer a practical route to decarbonising dockside operations without waiting for major grid upgrades.
Hydrogen in action across maritime, transport, and construction
The event showcased the full hydrogen value chain, from hydrogen production through to storage, transport, and end-use applications.
Delegates experienced hydrogen technologies operating live across a range of sectors, including maritime, heavy transport, and construction infrastructure.
The event also featured the arrival of the Energy Observer, the world’s first self-sufficient hydrogen-powered vessel and floating renewable energy laboratory. Guests were able to board the vessel and hear directly from the crew about hydrogen production, storage, and fuel cell technology at sea.
Toyota showcases hydrogen fuel cell technology
Toyota played a central role throughout the day, demonstrating the breadth of hydrogen fuel cell applications across transport and mobility.
The showcase included:
- Live hydrogen refuelling demonstrations for Toyota fuel cell vehicles
- Operation of a Toyota hydrogen fuel cell bus transporting delegates between locations
- Refuelling of the Energy Observer vessel
- An early preview of the British-built hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux prototypes
The hydrogen-powered Toyota bus transported delegates between the port and nearby Lower Thames Crossing construction activity, where GeoPura HPUs™ are already helping displace diesel in live infrastructure environments.
GeoPura hydrogen power supporting Lower Thames Crossing
Guests also visited the nearby Lower Thames Crossing project, hosted by BMJV, where GeoPura Hydrogen Power Units™ are being used to provide clean temporary power for construction applications.
The deployment highlighted how hydrogen generators can help construction and infrastructure projects reduce emissions, improve local air quality, and support net-zero goals while delivering critical operational performance.
Representatives from the Lower Thames Crossing project and BMJV discussed the performance and reliability of GeoPura HPUs™ in active construction environments.
Collaboration driving hydrogen adoption
The event demonstrated the importance of collaboration in accelerating hydrogen adoption across the UK.
Alongside GeoPura, Toyota, and the Port of Tilbury, the showcase included participation from:
The positive response from attendees reflected growing industry demand for practical hydrogen solutions already delivering real-world results.
Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, said:
“From production and storage through to real-world applications, Tilbury and the Thames Estuary is rapidly establishing itself as a leading hub for hydrogen.
“Hydrogen has a critical role to play in how ports operate, from decarbonising dockside activity to enabling shore-to-ship power. It provides clean, reliable energy that strengthens operational resilience, protects air quality for local communities and creates skilled jobs, delivering long-term economic value across the region.
“Ports and maritime activity have very large energy requirements and will use the electricity grid network wherever possible. However, in many locations the public grid isn’t sufficient or flexible enough, and hydrogen can help bridge the gap.
“Rapid electrical dockside vessel charging using hydrogen power marks a significant milestone for the sector and demonstrates what’s possible when grid power isn’t available.”
Find out more about GeoPura hydrogen power solutions
GeoPura’s HPUs™ support clean temporary power, maritime electrification, shore-to-ship power, EV charging, and grid-constrained infrastructure projects across the UK.
To find out more about GeoPura’s marine hydrogen generator solutions, contact our team today.
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