Coastal Workboats: E-LUV, a UK-first, MCA certified, fully electric inter-island workboat demonstration supported by Shore Power Storage to prove commercially viable, including in remote locations

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UK-based SME Coastal Workboats Ltd (CWL), Coastal Workboats Scotland, and BK Marine Ltd will come together to deliver a UK-first demonstration of a fully-electric workboat and charging station.Shipping (international and domestic) is responsible for 3.4% of the UK's GHG emissions (DfT, 2019). A standard diesel vessel produces 23.3kg CO2/mile, translating into 181.5t CO2/year. Electric boat propulsion is emission-free, bypassing CO2, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides emissions, having an additional impact at reducing ocean acidification. Electric powered boats are currently restricted to pleasure boats as there has been no demonstration of an electric workboat. The challenges workboats face are:-Charging: fast ferry turnaround requiring rapid charging.-Low or no grid power available to support powering EV vessels in remote-access areas.-Integrated design of power systems, propeller and battery installation to ensure acceptable functionality and durability.-Fire safety: Improvements in battery chemistry and packaging reduce fire risk. However, the improved cells are still pending approval.This project will include a four week demonstration of an inter-island workboat in the Shetland Islands, West Burrafirth to Papa Stour, which will run twice daily, five days a week, and with a 45 minute journey time one-way. This will be commenced once the vessel has been sea trialled and all testing completed. CWL's E-LUV will be the UK's first electric workboat demonstrator, exhibiting integration of hull design, propulsion, energy storage and fire safety to meet regulations and inform future electric workboat guidance. CWL will be working closely with the MCA during the project to support the creation of a new regulatory framework.