The University of Plymouth in the UK has become the first UK university to add a boat powered by electricity to its fleet of education and research vessels. The new ZENOW RS Pulse is part of the ZENOW project (Zero Emission Network of Workboats), which will see a further 14 similar vessels launched across the country.
Progressing university research
The £115,000 (US$153,000) boat is on loan to the university for three years. The University of Plymouth will analyze data relating to how the research vessels are used during this period.
Executive dean Professor Christopher Fogwill, 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 recognized 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 toward decarbonization across the maritime sector. It is a physical demonstration of our continued commitment to sustainability and protecting the marine environment.”
Launch ceremony
The vessel was launched during an event at the university’s Marine Station showcasing some of its clean maritime projects. These included: Electric Seaway charging infrastructure being installed along the coastline with the university’s environmental sensor network; the VBEV bi-directional charging project, which is making 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; and the university’s international partnerships with Canada looking into bi-directional charging in the maritime sector.
Celebrating the progress made so far, the event welcomed a number of industry partners including RS Electric Boats, which designed the new vessel; the Department for Transport; and Innovate UK – part of UK Research and Innovation.
In related news, PowerCell recently signed an order for two 100kW marine fuel cell systems from O.S. Energy for the Transship II sustainable vessel project. This initiative will focus on retrofitting Bangor University’s research vessel Prince Madog with a hydrogen-electric hybrid propulsion system. Click here to read the full story.