Exeter City Council’s waterways team has taken delivery of a new electric boat and converted an older vessel to electric power.
2025 electric vessels
The new boat and the separate motor for the old vessel were supplied by Dartmouth’s CDT Marine, which worked closely with the UK council and the Centre for Future Clean Mobility to provide the most effective options. The funding for these was generated by income from project work carried out by the council’s waterways team.
The latest addition is an aluminum, double-skinned vessel powered by an e-propulsion electric motor. It will be used on the canal for general duties such as moving vessels or pontoons, as well as transporting staff and equipment. Testing of the motor was carried out in 2024. The boat will be named Von ‘e’ G as a token of thanks to long-term waterways administrator Yvonne Goodwin.
A similar electric motor has been fitted to the old waterways patrol boat which is now located on the canal and will be loaned to the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal, a voluntary group that carries out work around the canal to help keep it tidy. Members will be trained on the vessel, enabling them to access the water and transportation equipment to more remote areas.
Exeter City Council’s waterways sustainability plan
This isn’t the first time electric propulsion has made waves on Exeter’s waterways. The council tested a hydrogen electric boat on the estuary late in 2024 as part of a trial involving the boat’s manufacturers, Ecomar Propulsion, and the University of Exeter.
Cllr Ruth Williams, lead councilor responsible for the city’s waterways, said, “It’s great to see our waterways team trialling – and indeed using – cleaner, greener energy to maintain our waterways. We value the work of the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal and are pleased to be able to support their efforts through the loan of the boat.”
Cllr Matt Vizard, lead councilor for climate, ecological change and communities, agreed, “The City Council is committed to reducing its emissions and has a bold target to be net zero by 2030. This sets a great example for others, demonstrating that zero-emission options are a viable alternative as technology develops.”
In related news, electric propulsion specialist ePropulsion has collaborated with French boat rental company Les Canalous to create an electric canal boat. Click here to read the full story