University of Plymouth is first to launch an electric boat

Worth £115k, the boat is on loan to the University for three years, as part of the ZENOW project  that will see a further 14 similar vessels launched across the country.

And the University of Plymouth will analyse data relating to how the research vessels are used, during that period.

The launch event also showcased many more of Plymouth’s clean maritime projects including:

• Electric Seaway charging infrastructure being installed along the coastline with the University’s environmental sensor network.
• VBEV Bi-directional charging project making groundbreaking insights into micro grids and battery chemistry.
• Research into the cyber resilience of electric drive systems via the Smart Shipping Safety and Cyber Assurance project.
• International partnerships with Canada  looking into bi-directional charging in the maritime sector.

Professor Christopher Fogwill, Executive Dean, said: 

"Plymouth has the largest fleet of boats of any British higher education institution, and we’re proud to be the only university in the UK recognised as carbon neutral, having retained our PAS 2060 verification last year.

This new net zero emission vessel may be relatively small, but it is a big step forward that will benefit students and colleagues.

It provides significant research and education opportunities and is a vital part of our collaborations working towards decarbonisation across the maritime sector.

It is a physical demonstration of our continued commitment to sustainability and protecting the marine environment."