Aqua superPower and its consortium partners have announced the completion of The Electric Seaway project that delivers marine charging infrastructure along the south coast of the UK.

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The chargers are available to any electric leisure and commercial vessels under 24m (≈ 80 ft) and are part of the UK’s Maritime 2050 decarbonization targets. The system is projected to prevent significant CO2 emissions as an important step forward in reducing the environmental impact of marine activity along the south coast.

8 installations along UK south shore

The project was launched in June 2023 with £3.2 million ($4.29M / €3.72M) in funding from UK SHORE (UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions) and Innovate UK as the main delivery partner.

The consortium building the infrastructure was led by marine charging system provider Aqua superPower along with technology company ZPN Energy. Other key partners include the University of Plymouth, South Hams District Council, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council, and the UK Harbour Masters’ Association.

There are eight charging installations: at MDL Ocean Village Marina in Southampton, Isle of Wight Trinity Landing, Fowy, Lymington, Chichester Itchenor, and Falmouth.

The project uses battery-backed ultra-rapid charging technology and renewable energy integration to overcome logistical challenges. The system has been specifically tailored for shoreside applications and is especially relevant for those areas that have grid connection limits.

Battery-backed chargers meet instant load demand

Battery-backed chargers are the same concept that enabled the Candela electric hydrofoiling speedboat to cover 420 nautical miles (485 mi / 780 km) in 24 hours. High speed chargers like those deployed in The Electric Seaway put instant load demands on the electric grid that is difficult for the cables and transformers of some older coastal areas to respond to. A large battery can meet those instant load demands, while being charged at a slower constant rate by the grid.

Read about Candela’s 485 mi /  780 km, 24 hour journey

With the wide variety of use cases and on-shore capabilities of the eight locations, it has been necessary for the consortium to develop systems that can be matched to just about any marine charging site situation in the future.

ZPN Energy has refined the processes for efficient site delivery, and Aqua superPower has introduced a new compatibility service, enhancing interoperability between charging systems and electric vessels. In addition, sensors installed at each charging site by the University of Plymouth gather data to analyze environmental impact.

Electric Seaway shaping future projects

These learnings are set to shape future projects and advance the transition to clean maritime solutions.

James Foster, CEO of ZPN Energy, said: “Our battery-backed charging technology has proven its value in overcoming infrastructure challenges, ensuring rapid charging even in areas with limited grid capacity. The project provided valuable learning around third party chargers, allowing access to a retrofit model.”

Capt Martin Willis AFNI, Executive Officer & Secretary of the UK Harbour Masters’ Association, added that the project: “aligns perfectly with our strategy to support sustainable maritime practices and alternative fuels.”

The Electric Seaway has had similar support and reaction from the local districts. South Hams District Council is engaging with its local marine industry and boat users to encourage the transition to electric propulsion and open up opportunities in the low-carbon marine sector. Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch Council (BCP), is using the project as a cornerstone for increasing electrification.

The completion of The Electric Seaway also builds on the legacy of the Marine eCharging Living Lab (MeLL) project, expanding the UK’s first marine charging network into a scalable model with global potential.

The initiative has not only delivered on its technical objectives but also fostered economic growth, supporting a burgeoning cluster of low-carbon marine businesses and creating new jobs.

UK electric boat and motor companies in the region of The Electric Seaway include RS Electric Boats, RAD Propulsion, Optima Yachts (a Winner in the 2024 Gussies Electric Boat Awards) and Marine Electrification Solutions. 

Cluster of electric boat and motor companies

All of these companies and more are helping positioning the UK as a leader in the electric boat and charging sectors.

Aqua, RS Electric Boats, RAD Propulsion are also part of a trans Atlantic pilot, the CAN-UK Vessel-to-Grid Project, in which bi-directional chargers are being deployed for electric vessels in both Plymouth (UK) and Halifax (Canada). Bi-directional charging is technology that allows the electrons in boat batteries to flow to the electric grid on shore, and vice versa. It is also referred to as V2G (Vessel to Grid).

Read: Marine Electrification refits a cat with Nissan e-motors

Real-world installations will feature V2G capabilities in software and hardware on land and aboard the vessels. The contrasting environmental and operational conditions of the two locations will provide valuable information and experience for making the service widely available. The University of Plymouth is also involved, but in this case will be working on battery chemistry along with Dalhousie University in Canada

With its business model and technology, The Electric Seaway is poised to serve as a blueprint for marine charging infrastructure worldwide. In the UK the project’s legacy will extend far beyond the south coast, supporting global efforts to decarbonize maritime transport and inspiring further investment in sustainable solutions.

Karen Gill, COO of Aqua superPower, said: “The Electric Seaway has been a resounding success, delivering on our vision to create a reliable and accessible charging network for electric vessels. This project showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the decarbonization of the maritime sector. We’re thrilled to see the south coast emerge as a hub for sustainable marine travel, offering both commercial operators and leisure users the confidence to embrace electric propulsion.”

Aqua superPower  ZPN Energy  RAD Propulsion  RS Electric Boats  Optima Yachts  Marine Electrification Solutions

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