Hydrogen Fuel Racing is a multidisciplinary student team from the University of Glasgow, bringing over 90 students competing across several competitions. We work on a range of projects spanning multiple divisions, all with a shared purpose: to develop cutting-edge vessels and shape the next generation of innovators to drive the change.
The ‘Vital Spark’ race craft is the University of Glasgow Hydrogen Fuel Racing Team’s entry for the 2026 MEBC, developed in collaboration with Plus Zero and the Hydrogen Scotland Network. Substantially rebuilt since its last campaign, the vessel now features a solid-state hydrogen-electric powertrain. Designed as a hydrofoil with safety and scalability at its core, Vital Spark represents a major step forward in sustainable marine technology. We are excited to see her compete for the first time this year.
H2-Watt is a team of multi-disciplinary engineering students from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland, bringing together a team of over 25 students. The team works on the ‘Experiment of Leith H2’ project, repurposing an old speedboat hull into a new, fully electric boat. Through the incredible support of our industrial partners and academics at our university, we aim to provide a learning opportunity to the students involved through real hands-on engineering.
Our project is the ‘Experiment of Leith H2’, inspired by the legendary 18th century Scottish catamaran. By repurposing this 30-year-old hull, we aim to make the project as sustainable as possible. Instead of building a new vessel, we are transforming an existing one by converting it to a fully electric propulsion system. The project aims to show that repurposing existing marine structures and electrifying them is a practical path towards low emission marine applications. Alongside this, we are developing a battery recharging system powered by solid-state hydrogen technology, aiming to show the power of new hydrogen tech and pave the way for a greener future in the maritime industry.
