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Maritime UK SW and partners will host an event with the ambition of pioneering a non-fossil fuelled marine ecosystem in Plymouth and South Devon. The event will provide technical and market information, examples of market solutions already available, expert support and will establish a peer network to enable businesses to make informed decisions around making the shift, now or in future to electric or hybrid motors and installing charging points.
The event is being organised by Maritime UK SW in partnership with the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon Council and Plymouth City Council. The event builds on the Clean Maritime Summit held in June alongside the MDL Green Tech Boat Show and recent investments in electric charging points in Plymouth and increasing market interest in electrification of vessels such as the innovative Plymouth Boat Trips E- Voyager.
Prof Chris Smith, Director of the Centre for Future Clean Mobility and Chair of the Maritime UK SW group on clean Maritime said “It is clear that the move to electric marine is coming, legislation is in place and already the larger manufacturers are pulling out of fossil fuelled marine solutions. If we do nothing our sector will run itself into the ground by investing in defunct technology. Regions who can coordinate themselves and move first will have a commercial advantage. The aim of Maritime UK SW and partners is to build on recent investments in Plymouth and the surrounding area to create a network of partners who will together create electric charging points and vessels capable of using them. The market is already very well developed and we aim to work together to overcome any remaining barriers and risks that still exist in the commercial, technical, and market cases for investment. We aim to de-risk the shift and ensure that we in the South West come first, as a nationally recognised pilot area which will eventually grow out across the region and beyond”.
The initial network area of focus will be on the River Dart, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Plymouth Sound, Tamar estuary and Saltash areas. This focus is in order to help build a functioning electric/hybrid ecosystem area. Those interested from other areas are also welcome to sign up. Places are limited but the longer-term intention is to widen the network so please do sign up and we will ensure that you are kept informed of future activity and information.
The event will be held at University of Plymouth, Marine Station on 3rd Nov between 13:00 and 17:00. Those interested in attending should sign up at the Eventbrite page.