Australia’s first renewable hydrogen-powered ferry to be built in Gladstone
Photo: Sealink
by Queenslander Staff
Following a $5 million injection from the Palaszczuk Government, Gladstone on Queensland’s central coast is positioned to to be home to Australia’s first renewable-hydrogen powered passenger ferries.
“The funding will allow SeaLink to design, construct and use a passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells”, said Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles.
“The construction of the vessel will see highly skilled jobs created for this emerging technology.”
“Gladstone is set to become one of Australia’s major hydrogen hubs and hydrogen-powered transport options are one of the diverse uses emerging for hydrogen,” Mr Miles said.
The vessel will operate as a shuttle between Gladstone and LNG facilities on Curtis Island and carry up to 200 passengers at speeds of up to 20 knots and with a range of 50 nautical miles. It will join the Sealink fleet operating out of Gladstone Marina.
The $5 million investment announced by the Palaszczuk Government is the largest funding allocated from its $35 million Hydrogen Industry Development Fund (HIDF).The total cost of the project estimated at $20.6 million.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said green hydrogen was creating more decent, secure jobs in more industries across Queensland.
“Projects are being progressed across Queensland from the north to the border with New South Wales, and will keep bringing world-leading energy technology to Queensland because it creates opportunity for new jobs”, Mr de Brenni said.
