The Transforming Cities Fund has enabled Plymouth City Council to install three electric boat charge points at the Barbican Landing Stage. The installation of these charging points are helping to reduce carbon emissions from marine transport in Plymouth. The boat charge points, installed by SWARCO, include two 22kW chargers and one 3 phase commando socket, with the installation completed in December 2020. The charge points were delivered in collaboration with local boat operators, Plymouth University, Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC) and other local partners.
In response to the climate emergency and following further discussions with our partners, Plymouth City Council has secured further funding from the Transforming Cities Fund Tranche 2 for additional boat charge points. The Council is further investigating the best options for electric boat infrastructure and holding talks with local stakeholders. Read more on how we are engaging with local communities on our Mobility Hubs page.
The charging infrastructure for electric boats has enabled two local ferry operators to switch to zero carbon, fully electric boats, with the 'E-voyager' and 'Mount Batten E-link' now operational. They are the first fully electric coastal passenger ferries in the UK.
Expanding the charging infrastructure available will support local boat owners in their ambitions to increase the number of electrified vessels.
The use of electric boats in the waterways of Plymouth will bring significant environmental benefits such as reducing fumes emitted from boats, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and maintaining cleaner waters. Electric boats can also bring significant economic benefits to the region through the development of an emerging international industry.