The ZENOW project, led by RS Electric Boats with 14 UK marine entities, plans to introduce thirteen electric workboats with £5.4 million funding, including a £4.1 million UK SHORE and Innovate UK grant. Set for delivery by July 2025 to ten UK locations, the fleet features Pulse 63s and Cheetah Marine models with RAD Propulsion electric drives.
A three-year demonstration will collect data to optimise electric boat operations and promote global electric adoption in small harbours and marinas. This initiative aims to reduce emissions, offer a model for electric transition in maritime operations, and position the UK as a leader in green maritime technology.
VISION
Pioneering a sustainable future for marine industries globally.
MISSION
Leading the transition to zero-emission maritime operations.
BUILD PARTNERS
RS Electric Boats serves as the lead organiser, spearheading the development and deployment of the world’s largest electric workboat network. They are responsible for coordinating with partners, integrating advanced electric technologies, and overseeing data collection and analysis to advance the global shift towards zero-emission maritime operations.
RAD Propulsion is responsible for providing the electric drive systems for the workboats, including their RAD40 and RAD120 drives. They play a crucial role in equipping the fleet with advanced propulsion technology, essential for achieving zero-emission operations. Additionally, RAD Propulsion contributes to the project’s data collection and performance monitoring, helping to optimise electric maritime technology and support the transition to sustainable marine practices.
Aqua SuperPower is essential for providing the charging infrastructure for the electric workboats. Their role encompasses installing and maintaining high-powered charging stations, crucial for the efficient and sustainable operation of the fleet. Their work ensures reliable and fast charging capabilities, pivotal for the day-to-day functionality of the electric boats and setting standards for future maritime charging infrastructure.
Cheetah Marine plays a vital role in designing and constructing specialised electric workboats. Their expertise in boat manufacturing contributes significantly to the fleet’s diversification, ensuring the boats meet specific operational and environmental standards for zero-emission maritime activities.
Plymouth University is focused on data analytics and research. They are responsible for analysing performance data from the electric workboats, contributing to the understanding of their efficiency and environmental impact, and providing insights to guide the future of electric maritime operations.
Urban Truant’s involvement centers around applying electric boat technology in practical maritime services. They are particularly focused on developing and operating an electric vessel franchise model, including water-taxi and ferry services, demonstrating the real-world viability and benefits of electric maritime transport.
OPERATION PARTNERS
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