Voyager Boatyard and Plymouth Boat Trips Win Funding to Create e-Ferry
Voyager Boatyard has successfully bid for funding from Innovate UK to design and build e-Ferry. The, fully electric, boat will become the flagship vessel on Plymouth Boat Trips’ historic Cremyll Ferry commuter route, between Plymouth and South East Cornwall. Following the company’s recent conversion of a small, diesel work boat to e-Voyager, a 12 passenger electric design – this larger, 150 capacity vessel will operate for up to 14 hours a day on a single charge.
The funding from Innovate UK, comes as part of UK Research and Innovation, which is investing up to £191 million to fund single and collaborative research and development projects, via the Sustainable Innovation Fund, over the next two years. The aim of these competitions is to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19.
The team at Voyager Boatyard have taken full advantage of quieter times, caused by COVID-19, to focus on the development of zero-carbon, fully electric propulsion systems for the domestic passenger vessel and under 24m commercial workboat sector.
Project Leader, Andy Hurley said: “We have used the down time to apply for funding, that will enable us to further develop our zero-carbon agenda. Following the success of e-Voyager, we’re delighted to move to the next phase and, once again, lead the way towards a sustainable marine future with e-Ferry.”
Voyager Marine and Plymouth Boat Trips will be working with Solis Marine Engineering, a team of expert naval architects, to create a clean hydrodynamically efficient hull form that maximises use of the stored energy available.
Simon Hindley, Managing Director of, Falmouth based, Solis Marine Engineering, said: “Projects which advance the zero-carbon agenda and marine renewables sector are central to our work. For this project, we will be working in partnership with Pelagic Design to deliver an optimised low resistance design which helps to advance the use of clean energy in the South West.”
Both Plymouth City Council and Cornwall County Council have established targets, to become carbon neutral by 2030 and plans are underway for charging points to be installed on Plymouth’s Barbican Landing Stage and other sites.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This is a fantastic project for the South West and we wholeheartedly endorse it”.
“Economically, to see two South West-based companies combine to produce industry-leading technology does wonders for our marine sector in the city.”
“I’m also delighted from a climate emergency perspective. We want Plymouth to be carbon neutral by 2030 but as a Council, we can’t do it alone. That’s why it’s so great to see a high-profile Plymouth company setting an example to others by pulling up their sleeves and helping us to meet our ambitious target.”
The e-Ferry will be designed and built to effectively operate in a congested maritime environment, with strong tidal conditions, rough seas, and challenging berthing locations. It will also include additional zero-carbon solutions such as photovoltaic panels or similar renewable energy sources.
Andy Hurley continued, “Our aims match the government’s Clean Maritime Plan, to have zero-carbon commercial vessels operating in UK waters by 2025. To help meet this objective, we are transitioning our business from a traditional boatyard, to a specialist hub with the knowledge base and skills to design, build, convert and maintain zero-carbon, electric, commercial vessels across the UK and globally. It’s a very exciting time for the maritime industry and the South West.”
For further information, interviews and images please contact Sally Bowles, Plymouth Boat Trips PR & Marketing Dept.
e: sally@plymouthboattrips.co.uk t: 07807 613 526
Plymouth Boat Trips and Voyager Marine, Cornwall have launched e-Voyager, the UK’s first sea-going electric ferry. Designed and developed in partnership with the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter, Teignbridge Propellers, MarRI-UK and EV Parts, the green ferry will now undergo rigorous running trials, before carrying passengers on Plymouth Boat Trips’ ferry routes from April 2021.
The project has been funded through the £1.4M Clean Maritime Call: a Maritime Research and Innovation UK (MarRI-UK) initiative supported by the Department for Transport (DfT) and launched to support the UK’s goal of zero emission shipping.
Project leader for Plymouth Boat Trips and Voyager Marine, Andy Hurley, said: “It’s hugely exciting to see the launch of e-Voyager and the result of such a progressive collaboration to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for the marine industry. Through developing the technology and maritime applications, Voyager Marine is helping to place Plymouth and the South West as UK leaders in the conversion and new build of zero-carbon, fully electric commercial vessels.”
Partnerships and funding
Support from the universities came via Environmental Futures & Big Data Impact Lab, a £6.4M project to support small businesses, and the £4M Marine Business Technology Centre, both part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
Dr Richard Pemberton, lecturer in Mechanical and Marine Engineering Design at the University of Plymouth added: “Through our diverse mix of staff and specialisms, the University of Plymouth has supported Plymouth Boat Trips and its partners in both data analysis and regulatory advice. The University firmly believes that the work conducted on e-Voyager will pave the way for larger scale innovation towards meeting the Government’s target of a 50% reduction in emissions from the maritime sector by 2050.”
Technology and design
Engineering technology company, EV Parts, designed the battery storage and motor installation. An advanced electric motor, together with fly-by-wire controls, have replaced the traditional diesel engine, a process which will be directly transferable in under 24m commercial vessels.
The motors, energy storage, control and charging systems are now being tested in a real-world environment, enabling the team to gain approval from regulatory bodies so they can be used in vessels across the sector and carry passengers.
Through duty cycle modelling and advanced simulation of propeller performance, Teignbridge Propellers worked on the project to ensure every kilowatt hour of battery capacity is put to efficient use, ensuring maximum vessel range and safe and effective handling.
Mark Phare, Sales and Marketing Director said: “This pioneering project provides an ideal platform to explore the myriad technical challenges associated with the industry’s accelerating move to full electric propulsion and a low carbon future.”
Commercial benefits
Repurposed, Nissan Leaf batteries, used in e-Voyager, mean low maintenance and present clear commercial benefits for businesses in the marine sector. The University of Plymouth’s scientists carried out research during the build, measuring emissions including noise pollution, air pollution and fuel consumption.
Brian Lambert, a University of Exeter Research Fellow in the Marine Business Technology Centre project joined the consortium to shape the bid into MarRi-UK. He and Professor Chris Smith worked closely with the team, bringing expertise in project management and innovation to support the development of e-Voyager. The team at Exeter are using their knowledge to investigate safe charging solutions for marine applications, including deposition of nanomaterials and inductive charging technologies.
Charging points
Plymouth City Council will install three 22 kWh chargers on the Barbican Landing Stage, and using this system, e-Voyager will take under three hours to achieve a full charge. The vessel will be charged overnight when berthing, providing enough power to run for a full day and complete its journey on a single charge. If required, the boat can simply plug in and recharge between runs as passengers embark. The council is working with local ferry companies to further develop a charging infrastructure for marine transport in the city.
Green marine future
e-Voyager will be the first vessel to have been recognised by both the MCA and a Classification Society, for satisfying the exacting standards of both organisations. The partners are now progressing to the conversion of larger passenger vessels in Plymouth Boat Trips’ fleet of cruise boats and ferries, along with the new build of similar vessels.
For further information, footage, stills and interviews please contact:
Sally Bowles, Plymouth Boat Trips, PR & Marketing:
E: sally@plymouthboattrips.co.uk T: 01752 253153
Plymouth Boat Trips has introduced a new, modern vessel to service the famous Cawsand Ferry route. The Plymouth Princess will carry passengers between Plymouth and the scenic, Cornish beaches and villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Loyal fans of the Weston Maid will be reassured to know that the Red Pig, as she’s affectionately known to locals, will continue to run alongside the Plymouth Princess.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Plymouth Boat Trips introduced a range of measures to ensure safe travel on board, and increased fleet capacity comes as part of that effort. Running at peak times, the addition of a second boat will help prevent queues and provide additional space on board for social distancing.
Designed and built in Cornwall, for the Kingsbridge to Salcombe ferry operation, the Plymouth Princess will offer a smoother, faster journey and more space and comfort, with a seated top deck area, bar and toilet facilities on board.
Owner of Plymouth Boat Trips, Ben Squire said: ‘We’re very excited to launch this cracking new boat onto the Cawsand run, the voyage itself is a wonderful day out and the Plymouth Princess will add another level of comfort and reassurance for customers, as we operate in the new normal.’
For further information, images, or interviews, please contact:
Sally Bowles, Plymouth Boat Trips Marketing & PR Department.
e: sally@plymouthboattrips.co.uk
Plymouth Boat Trips has announced that its river cruises, fishing trips and remaining ferry services will return on Saturday 4th July. Passengers will be able to travel, by water, to the picturesque beaches of Cawsand and Kingsand, cruise the River Tamar and take the popular, connecting Barbican, Royal William Yard, Mount Edgcumbe ferry, as lockdown measures are further eased by government.
Among the new rules of travel, face coverings are mandatory on board, and a one-way system will operate throughout all vessels. Additional boats will be in service to allow adequate social distancing, without reducing timetables, and contactless payment will be encouraged to reduce contact between staff and passengers.
All Plymouth Boat Trips services were suspended on 23rd March, when the Prime Minister announced strict lock down measures across the UK. Party cruises and private charters remain on hold for now and, as with the recently reopened Cremyll Ferry service, there will be reduced passenger capacity.
Additional safety measures include table service on all cruise boats, the availability of hand sanitizer for passengers on boarding and regular cleaning between trips.Social distancing signage will be displayed, and queues managed, to ensure boarding and alighting passengers do not interact.
Owner of Plymouth Boat Trips, Ben Squire said: “We’re excited to be restarting operations, offering people the chance to get out on the wonderful waters of Plymouth again, and we’ve put all the necessary measures in place, to ensure that staff and passengers remain safe on board.”
For further information, images, or interviews, please contact:
Sally Bowles, Plymouth Boat Trips Marketing & PR Department.
e: sally@plymouthboattrips.co.uk
m: 07807 613 526
Plymouth Boat Trips has announced that the much loved Cremyll Ferry service, connecting Plymouth and South East Cornwall will resume on Tuesday 16th June 2020. A reduced timetable and passenger capacity are among new rules in place, as Coronavirus lockdown measures are gradually eased by government.
The ferry, that has been in existence since the 11th Century and provides an important commuter connection and gateway to the Rame Peninsula, was suspended in March, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister announced lockdown measures on 23rd March and a decision was taken by Plymouth Boat Trips’ management team to stop services and help reduce the spread of the virus.
Plymouth Boat Trips will be allocating one of its largest vessels, Plymouth Sound to the service to allow adequate social distancing on board. However, the Edgcumbe Belle will run when tides don’t allow the Plymouth Sound to dock at Admirals Hard. Contactless payment is encouraged as is the purchase of return tickets, to reduce contact between staff and passengers.
Passengers will be advised that face coverings will be mandatory, and a one-way system will operate throughout the ferry. Additional safety measures, as the ferry comes back into action, include the availability of hand sanitizer for passengers on boarding and regular cleaning between trips. Social distancing signage will be displayed, and queues managed to ensure boarding and alighting passengers do not interact.
Passengers are reminded that while the park at Mount Edgcumbe is open, all facilities and the house remain closed. There are a limited number of public toilets available at Cremyll and there is just one toilet at Admirals Hard (Cremyll Street), which is only for people with a radar key.
Owner, Ben Squire said: ‘We surveyed customers to gather feedback and the resounding response towards us restarting the Cremyll Ferry has been very positive. We have worked closely with Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council to reintroduce the service and we’re taking every precaution to ensure that our staff and customers are safe.”
For further information, images, or interviews, please contact:
Sally Bowles, Plymouth Boat Trips Marketing & PR Department.
e: sally@plymouthboattrips.co.uk
m: 07807 613 526
