Today (30 April 2026), saw over 100 delegates attend a hydrogen showcase hosted by the Port of Tilbury, Toyota and GeoPura at the London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury, marking the arrival of Energy Observer, the world’s first self-sufficient, hydrogen-powered vessel and floating renewable energy laboratory.

Delivered in collaboration with partners including the Lower Thames Crossing, Briggs Equipment UK, ULEMCO, TCP, Fuel Cell Systems, Intelligent Energy and HYKIT, the event brought together industry representatives, technology providers and policy makers to demonstrate practical hydrogen solutions.

Attendees saw hydrogen production, storage and dispensing technologies in action and explored how these can be adopted across projects, including those already underway at the Port of Tilbury and the Lower Thames Crossing.

The showcase follows a recent agreement between GeoPura and Forth Ports – the owner and operator of the Port of Tilbury – to develop an on-site green hydrogen production facility. This positions Tilbury as the first UK port to support commercial-scale hydrogen for heavy industry and will advance the port’s decarbonisation. It also builds on GeoPura’s landmark agreement to supply green hydrogen to the Lower Thames Crossing, representing the largest volume of hydrogen ever contracted for a UK construction project and enabling significant reductions in diesel use and carbon emissions.

The all-day event involved three rotating sessions showcasing hydrogen technologies and applications. This included guided visits to a co-located hydrogen production facility and nearby Lower Thames Crossing construction activity, alongside opportunities to experience a wide range of equipment and solutions in operation – from hydrogen powered vehicles and generators to refuelling systems and off grid power applications.

Commenting on the event, David Housden, Head of Engineering from the Port of Tilbury said: “The green hydrogen showcase hosted by the Port of Tilbury and our partners shows our collective ambition to deliver innovative low carbon solutions across the supply chain. At Forth Ports we have a strong track record of bringing market-leading solutions for our customers and now through the recent developments in green hydrogen with our on-site partner GeoPura we are moving at pace to integrate hydrogen powered vehicles and on-site power generation in Tilbury.”

Andrew Cunningham, CEO of GeoPura, commented: “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 to fulfil these wherever possible.  However, in many locations the public grid isn’t sufficient or flexible enough, and then hydrogen can help bridge the gap.

“It’s very exciting to see the ambition in action at this event. Rapid electrical dockside boat charging using hydrogen power marks a significant milestone for the sector and demonstrates what’s possible when grid power isn’t available. Hydrogen infrastructure here at Tilbury as well as at the nearby Lower Thames Crossing construction is the start of a really exciting industrial powerhouse in this region.”

Luigi Ksawery Luca’, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, said: “Our participation in today’s events with Energy Observer mooring at the Port of Tilbury and the presentation of our prototype fuel cell Hilux is a perfect illustration of how we are developing hydrogen technologies on our key pillars of fuel cell vehicles, working with business and the creation of hydrogen ecosystems. We believe hydrogen can be a major contributor to a future carbon-neutral society and we continue to forge relationships with partner businesses, focusing on diverse forms of transport and power generation.”