A new hydrogen-powered boat could be the answer to a cleaner marina, according to edie.net.

Designed by Dutchman Robert Van den Hoed, the fuel cell-based boat purports to be the first mass-production 'green' boat.

Posited as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional vessels, as well as a more sustainable and durable solution than electric-powered boats, the new craft is being touted by Mr Van den Hoed as a long-term answer to Europe's polluted cities.

"Many European cities have air quality problems. Electric boats can provide a solution, but their battery capacity is limited and they cannot travel far in one go," he explained.

"The [hydrogen-powered] sloop will be able to travel for two to three days without refuelling. Besides, a fuel cell boat can be recharged within 15 minutes by switching the hydrogen cylinders, rather than the four to six hours recharging needed for traditional electric boats."

Mr Van den Hoed says the key advantage of his boat – not the first to set sail on a greener remit – is its relative ease of production and its wider potential.

He claims his development team at the Dutch renewable firm Ecofys have created a vessel which will be effective, but also practical and cost-effective to produce in large numbers.

Fuel cells have become a ubiquitous answer to the transport problems in Europe, helping to power new green cars, but also military vehicles, buses and even submarines.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd