Japan deal aims to put Port into the e-fuels driving seat

The Port of Tyne is aiming to become a major centre for the production of e-fuels to help decarbonise the maritime industry.

- by Tom Patterson

Bosses at the port have signed a deal with Japanese industrial giant Hitachi to work together to assess the viability of making and using the synthetic fuels on the banks of the Tyne in what could provide a major boost to the region's economy.

The 'green jobs' Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see Hitachi work with the South Shields-based company and the North East Combined Authority to develop a "smart port of the future" through a dedicated clean e-fuels hub.

They will also collaborate on innovation, digital transformation, clean energy infrastructure and skills development.

Port of Tyne Chief Executive Matt Beeton welcomed the MoU as the first step in creating a new clean e-fuels site.