Bridge to Zero: The future Torpoint Ferry

Decarbonising the world's busiest chain ferry
Torpoint Ferry
Project title: Bridge to Zero: The future Torpoint Ferry 
Funded by: Innovate UK
Competition name: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) Round 6
Project duration: 2025–2026
Project partners: (lead), ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú,
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú staff: Dr Lauren Ansell , Aaron Barrett , Sarah Fear  
 
For over two centuries, the Torpoint Ferry has been a vital lifeline across the River Tamar, connecting Torpoint and Devonport since 1791. Today, this service is the world’s busiest chain ferry crossing, carrying up to 2 million vehicles and 150,000 foot passengers annually. It is more than just a convenience; it’s a vital artery connecting South East Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula with the city of ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú, saving travellers a 28-mile detour with a swift three-mile crossing.
After more than 20 years in operation, the current Torpoint Ferry vessels are approaching the end of their planned service life. Planning for replacement or a significant upgrade is therefore required to ensure continuity of the crossing. 
was launched in 2022 to investigate options for the future of the service. Supported by the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee, the programme is examining both retrofit and new-build solutions, with the aim of reducing emissions while maintaining continuous, 24-hour operation.
The River Tamar presents several technical challenges, including strong tidal flows, long slipways, and limited turnaround times, which restrict opportunities for charging and refuelling. These constraints are not unique to the Tamar and are shared by other coastal ferry services in the UK. The project is therefore focused on developing solutions that are technically and economically viable, with potential application beyond the local context.
Coastal Communities Tamar Bridge
The ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú will install specialist equipment on the Torpoint Ferry to gather data on performance, energy efficiencies and energy demand. 
A highly sensitive torque dynamometer (with strain gauges on transmission shafts) will be used to measure instantaneous torque – and, therefore, mechanical power –delivered to the chain propulsion system. This will be complemented by real-time data from the ferry’s engine management system, providing insights into engine power output and fuel consumption.
By combining this data, researchers can map the full power requirements of propulsion, electrical, and hydraulic systems under various conditions, from adverse weather to urgent "blue light" crossings. The analysis also takes into account situational variables, including displacement, tide, wind, and waves.
This comprehensive dataset will enable accurate calculations of:
  • Peak and mean transmission power needs
  • Battery or alternative fuel capacity requirements
  • Cooling requirements
  • Safety margins for reliable vessel operation
Equipped with this knowledge, the project can develop future-ready ferry systems that strike a balance between environmental performance and operational resilience.
 

Trailblazing clean maritime innovation

At ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú, we are among the UK's leading proponents of clean maritime research, with a track record in consistently securing government funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Through engagement with business and the wider scientific community, we are co-creating ways of transforming this research into practical solutions to challenges faced by the marine and maritime sectors.
 
Clean Maritime

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy 

In response to climate change imperatives, we are bringing together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, the Centre aims to be a beacon for the University’s whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy.
 
Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy