The Environment Agency has launched its first zero-emission electric workboat, Blackwater Joule, at Henley Royal Regatta, as part of an effort to cut carbon emissions from the UK’s commercial workboat fleet.
The vessel, an RS Pulse 63 RIB, will be used for river enforcement, regular patrols to check that boats on the river are properly registered, and monitoring and maintenance work along the non-tidal Thames. The switch to electric power supports the Environment Agency’s pledge to reduce its fleet boat emissions by 50%.
The boat is part of the Zero Emission Workboat Network (ZENOW) project, which aims to deploy what is described as the world’s largest network of zero-emission electric workboats. The ZENOW project supports operating partners, including the Environment Agency, in adopting zero-emission commercial maritime vessels, while developing technology and products intended to help the UK lead the global zero-emissions sector.
Lisa Craddock, national navigation senior advisor for the Environment Agency, said, “This is a great day for us. The Blackwater Joule will allow us to quickly and cleanly patrol along the entire waterway. Many of our medium-size craft are approaching the end of their lives, so this new addition is well timed in helping us make long term decisions on the technology we should be investing in.
“Together with the imminent launch of sister ship Electra in East Anglia, this means we can now trial two electric workboats free of charge for the next two years.”
Alex Newton-Southon, managing director of RS Electric Boats, said, “At RS Electric Boats, we are absolutely delighted that the Environment Agency has received the first of their two fully electric RS Pulse 63 RIBs from the ZENOW Project. This marks a significant step forward in embracing zero-emissions technology, aligning well with the Environment Agency’s commitment to cleaner waterways on the Upper Thames.
“We are proud to be part of their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our natural environment. This partnership not only contributes to a cleaner future, but it also sets an exciting precedent for the adoption of sustainable solutions in waterway management for generations to come.”
The project will monitor and analyze usage data until 2028, with the results expected to inform the wider clean maritime sector as well as future policy and regulatory decisions.
The ZENOW network will comprise 20 RS Electric workboats across three classes and five new Aqua Superpower chargers, operating for up to three years across 10 locations.
Led by RS Electric Boats, the project is backed by £5.4m (US$7.2n) in funding, including £4.1m (US$5.5m) from the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure competition, run by the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions and Innovate UK.
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