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.
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
SEO title: Electric patrol boat Blackwater Joule launches on the Thames
Meta description: The Environment Agency has launched electric patrol boat Blackwater Joule on the non-tidal Thames as part of the ZENOW zero-emission workboat project.
