At a boat-only accessible geothermal area outside Taupō back in October, something happened that hadn’t happened anywhere else in the world.

For the first time ever, anywhere, a boat took to the water powered in part by the emissions reducing HYDI Hydrogen unit.

The move came after Craig Gibson, operator of the Orakei Koraakoakei Cave and Thermal Park began the hunt for a way to reduce fuel emissions, approaching HYDI and getting approval to install one of their HYDI Hydrogen on-demand units.

According to the park general manager Nik Gibson, the tweaked engine has cut their harmful emissions by 80% and came about from one simple idea: “Looking at how we can better protect our environment”.

He said they fitted the unit back in October and since then, the diesel fumes are “not really there anymore”.

Source: Benn Bathgate – Waikato Times

https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/350201789/nautical-and-nice-emissions-slashing-world-first-marine-engine-thermal-park

He said that it’s slashed their fuel bills too but admits that with a $17,000 cost, it will be some time before the fuel savings recoup their outlay.

He said they considered a fully electric powered boat but there were simply too many issues including expense, regulatory issues and battery life – something he said was “not so good for the environment”.

The technology works by having hydrogen supplement diesel fuel, creating a cleaner and more complete combustion process.

Nik said that process will also save them money in the long term as it extends the life of the engine.

The engine works just as effectively but in a more environmentally – and economically – sustainable way. It is mobile, interchangeable, requires no external infrastructure and is safe. There is no storage of hydrogen.

Within the transportation sector, shipping claims the third position in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, comprising 11% of the total.

Due to the increase in global trade and the demand for maritime carriage of goods, the sector’s carbon footprint, primarily because of CO2, is poised to potentially surge by 50% to 250% by the year 2050 if proactive measures are not taken.