by
Mark Lancaster
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The Environment Agency has taken a step forward in reducing the carbon emissions of commercial workboats in the UK by launching the electric Blackwater Joule.
THE new RS Pulse 63 RIB will be used for river enforcement and regular patrols to ensure all boats on the river are fully registered, as well as monitoring and maintenance along the non-tidal Thames.
Photo: Environment Agency
This shift to electric power will make what the agency describes as a ‘significant’ contribution to the organisation’s pledge to reduce its fleet boat emissions by 50%.
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The addition is part of the Zero Emission Workboat Network (ZENOW) project, which aims to deploy the world’s largest network of zero emission electric workboats. The scheme helps winning operating partners like the Environment Agency adopt zero emission commercial maritime vessels. It is developing technology and products to help the UK dominate the rapidly growing zero emissions sector worldwide.
Lisa Craddock, a national navigation senior advisor for the EA, said: “Blackwater Joule will allow us to quickly and cleanly patrol along the entire waterway.
“Many of our medium-sized craft are approaching the end of their lives, so this new addition is well timed in helping us make long-term decisions on the technology we should be investing in.
“Together with the imminent launch of sister ship Electra in East Anglia, this means we can now trial two electric workboats free of charge for the next two years.”
Alex Newton-Southon, managing director of RS Electric Boats, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Environment Agency has received the first of its two fully electric RS Pulse 63 RIBs from the ZENOW Project. This marks a significant step forward in embracing zero-emissions technology, aligning well with the agency’s commitment to cleaner waterways on the Upper Thames.
“We are proud to be part of their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our natural environment. This partnership not only contributes to a cleaner future, but it also sets an exciting precedent for the adoption of sustainable solutions in waterway management for generations to come.”
The project will monitor and analyse usage data until 2028, and the outputs will help to develop the wider clean maritime sector as well as inform future policy and regulatory decisions.
Owners of powered or non-powered boats, including paddleboards, must register annually with the Environment Agency for use on the non-tidal River Thames by calling 03708 506 506 or visiting www.gov.uk/register-a-boat
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Article Tags:
Blackwater Joule, boat registration, cleaner waterways, commercial workboats, East Anglia, electra, electric patrol boat, electric workboat, Environment Agency, non-tidal Thames, paddleboards, river patrols, river thames, RS Electric Boats, RS Pulse 63, Towpath Talk, Upper Thames, waterway management, ZENOW, Zero Emission Workboat Network, zero emissions
About the Author
Mark started life on two wheels aged 8 on a Mobylette in his Grandfather’s back garden. It was in the blood; Mark’s Great Uncles raced sidecars at the TT, once finishing 5th. His Grandfather was a speedway rider. As for Mark, he once held a licence to race motorcycles in Italy, has completed the ‘Iron Biker’ challenge around the Alps and one day wants to ride around the entire coastline of the UK on a motorcycle..
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