Why are you spending money on a technology that is likely not to be utilised in Falmouth at this time?
Working in partnership with Aqua Super Power for the installation of our rapid charger means Falmouth Harbour will not incur any capital costs associated with the installation of the charger.
Initially, once installed, the charger will be used to charge the electric rib we will receive in 2025 as part of our participation in the ZENOW project and can also be used by electric vessels that visit the harbour.
Falmouth Harbour understand the need to rapidly decarbonise our activities and facilitate others to do so to help combat the impacts of climate change. This project provides necessary infrastructure for current and future electric vessels looking to charge batteries and will enable this low carbon propulsion.
It also means that the additional environmental benefits associated with electric vessel propulsion i.e. reduced operational noise and pollution potential.
Were will the charger be situated?
The charger will be placed on the Falmouth Harbour marina pontoons in front of the berth currently occupied by ‘Killigrew’ the harbour patrol vessel.
Will there be disruption to customers and users of the marina because of this project?
Inevitably there will be some disruption as the necessary trenching is completed on North Quay and electric cables installed underneath the relevant pontoon sections to connect with the charger. We plan to do this out of season starting on 30th September 2024. This will restrict the use of North Quay, particularly for cars, for up to 2 weeks. We are working closely with those that will be impacted by these works.
What will the charger be used for?
The charger will be used to charge the RS Electric Rib we will be provided as part of the ZENOW project in 2025. The charger has two charging cables so will be capable of charging two vessels at a time. We have tried to maximise the utilisation of the charger and it will be available over 4 berths in total.
How much has the electric rib cost Falmouth Harbour?
Our involvement in the ZENOW project will allow us to own and operate the rib with no capital cost directly associated with the vessel for a 3 year period. During this period we are required to use the vessel as much as possible. Usage data will be gathered by the vessel manufacturers and used to answer current questions around the use of electric propulsion in the marine environment and we hope that we will be able to contribute to wider understanding of suitability through this project.
What are the local benefits of this project?
This project will highlight Falmouth Harbours’ contribution to trialling innovative technologies required to transition to a net zero future. We plan to allow sailing and yacht clubs to use the rib for events and club nights so they can try out the new vessel and reduce emissions associated with their activities.
The project partners plan to work with local educational institutes to contribute to the development of green skills required to maintain electric vessels in the future.
Aren’t lithium-ion batteries bad for the environment?
Plymouth University are partners in the project. One of their roles is to complete a life cycle analysis of the vessel to understand how this vessel compares to that of a traditional vessel.
How are you managing the additional risk associated with lithium-ion batteries?
We plan to work with project partners to understand the risks and ensure our safety processes are reviewed and assessed.
What are the detailed specifications of the vessel and charger?
For specific questions about the vessel please take a look at the webpage linked below:
Frequently Asked Questions – RS Electric Boats
For specific questions about the Aqua Super Power charger take a look at the webpage linked below:
Boat Owners | Aqua superPower (aqua-superpower.com)
If you cannot find the answers you are looking for please send an email to vickispooner@falmouthharbour.co.uk
