Torpoint Ferry Launches ‘Bridge to Zero’ Plan to Cut Emissions

The world’s busiest chain ferry service has launched an ambitious plan to become fully zero-emission. The Torpoint “Bridge to Zero” project will deliver a detailed, costed plan to transition the Torpoint Ferry service from fossil fuel power to 100% shore-supplied green electricity.

The work aims to provide a scalable model to decarbonise short-sea crossings across the UK and beyond, while preparing for the next generation of vessels due in 2034.

Ferry Service Carries Millions Each Year

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Torpoint Ferry service carries over 3 million vehicles and 400,000 pedestrians annually across the River Tamar between Torpoint in Cornwall and Devonport in Plymouth.

Run by Tamar Crossings, jointly owned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, the service’s unique chain propulsion system, tidal river setting and rapid schedule make decarbonisation especially challenging. However, it’s also a crucial test case for similar ferries across the world.

If successful, the project could cut the ferries’ CO₂ emissions by up to 1000 tonnes per year.

Backed by the Department for Transport

The project is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Transport through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) under the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).

Maritime Minister Keir Mather said:

“Our £300,000 investment into Torpoint Ferry will be transformational in the region as we chart a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and build a cleaner, greener future.

“This comes as part of our wider commitment to decarbonise shipping backed by a £448m investment to clean up sea travel whilst supporting jobs and boosting growth across the UK.”

Collaboration Across Industry and Academia

The Bridge to Zero project brings together a consortium of experts:

• Marine Zero – project leadership, charging solutions, and CAPEX/OPEX modelling

• Torpoint Ferries (Tamar Crossings) – operational expertise and vessel access

• University of Plymouth – performance data collection and analysis

The work begins as the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meets at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters in London to discuss the inclusion of a Net Zero Framework, introducing stronger global regulations to speed up the shift to zero-emission propulsion.

“A Global Example for Short Sea Shipping”

Tim Munn, managing director at Marine Zero, said:

“With Torpoint, we’re proving that even the most demanding 24/7 maritime operations can transition to zero emissions. Our goal is to create solutions that are not just technically feasible, but financially viable and scalable – safeguarding a vital regional service whilst setting a global example for short sea shipping.”

Philip Robinson, Chief Officer at Tamar Crossings, added:

“We are proud to be leading this transformation. This work will safeguard our service for the next generation and support the South West’s growing clean maritime sector. By solving the challenges here, we can help operators across the UK – and beyond – make the shift to zero emissions.”

Sarah Fear, Sector Lead (Marine and Low Carbon) at the University of Plymouth, said:

“This project advances the world-leading reputation for clean maritime research, operational expertise, and innovation in Plymouth and South-East Cornwall. By capturing and analysing detailed performance data, we will generate evidence-based solutions that can be applied to the Torpoint Ferries, and to many other ferry routes in the UK and globally that are facing similar constraints.”

The Torpoint “Bridge to Zero” project is setting out to prove that even one of the world’s busiest ferry services can go fully green – and in doing so, could pave the way for cleaner, smarter crossings everywhere.