The Environment Agency has taken a big step forward in reducing
the carbon emissions of commercial workboats in the UK with the
launch of Blackwater Joule at Henley Royal Regatta.
The new RS Pulse 63 RIB will be used for river enforcement and
regular patrols to ensure all boats on the river are fully
registered, as well as monitoring and maintenance along the
non-tidal Thames. This shift to electric power will make a
significant contribution to the organisation's pledge to reduce
its fleet boat emissions by 50%.
The welcome addition is part of the Zero Emission Workboat
Network (ZENOW) project that aims to deploy the world's largest
network of zero emission electric workboats.
The ZENOW project helps winning operating partners like the
Environment Agency adopt zero emission commercial maritime
vessels. It is developing technology and products to help the UK
dominate the rapidly growing zero emissions sector worldwide.
Lisa Craddock, a 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 sized 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.
Newton-Southon, Managing Director, 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 analyse usage data until 2028. The
outputs of these projects will help to develop the wider clean
maritime sector as well as inform future policy and regulatory
decisions.
Owners of powered or non-powered boats (including paddleboards)
must register their boats annually with the Environment Agency
for use on the non-tidal River Thames. Boats can be registered by
calling 03708 506 506 or register a boat online on
GOV.UK.
Background
- The ZENOW network will consist of 20 RS Electric workboats of
three different classes, five new Aqua Superpower chargers and
will be operated for up to three years across 10 geographic
locations.
- Led by RS Electric Boats (RSE), ZENOW will introduce several
electric workboats with £5.4million funding, including £4.1m from
the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition.
This is run by theUKShipping Office for Reducing Emissions
(UKSHORE) and InnovateUK.
- The ZENOW partnership comprises: University of Plymouth,
Lloyd's Register EMEA, Aqua Superpower Ltd, Falmouth Harbour
Commissioners, Yarmouth (IOW) Harbour Commissioners, Zero Marine
Services Ltd, Cheetah Marine International Ltd, Urban Truant
Power Ltd, Environment Agency, RAD Propulsion Ltd, Royal Yachting
Association, WPNSA Ltd, Fowey Harbour Commissioners, and Salcombe
Harbour Authority.
