An electric motor fused directly into a jet drive will propel a 4.5-metre harbour tender around Poole Harbour without burning a drop of diesel. Harbour vessels—ferries, workboats, and launches—currently run on marine diesel, producing local air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting these boats with electric propulsion is difficult because conventional electric motors and jet drives are separate, bulky units that waste space and energy. This project integrates the motor into the jet drive itself, creating a compact, efficient, and easier-to-maintain zero-emission system. If the demonstrator vessel proves reliable, the technology could be scaled and adapted for other harbour fleets across the UK. The project includes a feasibility study with Poole Harbour Commissioners and Plymouth University to assess the costs of converting existing vessels versus building new electric ones, and what charging infrastructure harbours would need. The team is also consulting the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure the system meets safety standards for commercial use. Success would give harbour operators a practical, off-the-shelf route to cut emissions, directly supporting the UK’s 2050 net-zero target for the maritime sector.
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**Sustainable Marine Transition: Electric Jet Drive for Poole Harbour Decarbonisation** Our project aims to develop an innovative electric jet drive system to facilitate the decarbonisation of harbour vessels, beginning with Poole Harbour. By creating a zero-emission propulsion solution, we intend to provide a practical approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. The project involves designing, developing, and testing an advanced electric jet drive as a standalone component. This propulsion system integrates the electric motor directly into the jet drive, resulting in a more efficient, compact, and maintenance-friendly solution suitable for various vessel types. Focusing initially on the jet drive's development ensures the core technology is robust and effective before integrating it into a vessel. Once the electric jet drive system is fully developed and validated through rigorous testing, we plan to install it into a 4.5 metre jet tender. This demonstrator vessel will showcase the performance and feasibility of electric propulsion in real-world harbour operations. Data collected from testing will provide valuable insights into operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental benefits. We'll onboard engineering staff to help build the new system in Dorset. We will collaborate with key stakeholders, including Poole Harbour Commissioners and Plymouth University, to conduct a feasibility study on converting existing harbour fleets to electric propulsion. The study will assess vessel suitability, energy infrastructure requirements, and the costs associated with conversion versus new builds. By providing actionable insights, we aim to support harbour authorities in making informed decisions about fleet modernisation. Engaging with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a crucial aspect of our project. We will consult with the MCA's Future Innovations Department to ensure our electric jet drive system meets operational and safety standards for future accreditation. This proactive approach facilitates a clear regulatory pathway for scaling and commercialising the technology within the UK's marine industry. Please note that successful completion of this project's deliverables is not dependent on MCA approval. Our project addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions in maritime transport, aligning with the UK's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050\. By developing an efficient and adaptable electric propulsion system, we aim to lead the transition towards greener harbour operations, setting a precedent for other ports in the UK and beyond.
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