A fleet of 15 electric workboats will be deployed across nine UK locations by July 2025, replacing diesel-powered vessels in harbours and marinas. The project addresses a practical gap: small workboats—used for water taxis, patrols, and harbour maintenance—still rely almost entirely on fossil fuels. No large-scale demonstration has yet proven that electric replacements can handle real-world workloads reliably. ZENOW will collect operational data from these 15 boats, fitted with RAD Propulsion electric drives and lighter hulls on the Pulse 950 model, to test whether electric workboats can match diesel performance while cutting emissions. If successful, the project will produce a replicable model for transitioning small harbours and marinas to electric power. The data on vessel design, propulsion, and charging infrastructure will help other ports and operators adopt the technology without starting from scratch. A through-life sustainability analysis will also assess whether the materials and production processes align with net-zero targets. The UK already builds many of these workboats; demonstrating that they can run on electricity strengthens the case for replacing diesel across the domestic fleet and for export markets.
View original technical description
ZENOW Project Overview The ZENOW project, led by RS Electric Boats in collaboration with 15 UK-based marine entities, aims to deliver a fleet of 15 electric workboats with the support of £5.4 million in funding, including a £4.1 million grant from UK SHORE and Innovate UK. These innovative vessels, featuring Pulse 63 and Pulse 950 models equipped with RAD Propulsion electric drives, are set to be delivered to nine UK locations by July 2025. Key Objectives To ensure the ZENOW project delivers maximum impact and positions the UK as a leader in green maritime technology, we are introducing targeted adjustments to the project’s scope and funding allocation. These changes are designed to push the boundaries of current electric maritime technology and enhance the operational effectiveness of the fleet. This three-year demonstration initiative focuses on collecting operational data to optimise the use of electric boats. The project aspires to: • Promote global adoption of electric technology in small harbours and marinas. • Reduce emissions and environmental impact. • Create a replicable model for transitioning to electric maritime operations. • Establish the UK as a global leader in green maritime technology. Key data will be collected and analysed with the support of our partners: RAD Propulsion, Aqua Marine, the University of Plymouth, and Urban Truant. Main Areas of Focus 1. WP 1 – Project Management (RS Electric Boats) 2. WP 2 – Design and construction of Cheetah catamaran vessels/RIBs (RS Electric Boats) 3. WP 3 – Drive system delivery (RAD Propulsion) 4. WP 4 – Installation of charging infrastructure (Aqua Marine) 5. WP 5 – Outreach, knowledge sharing, exploitation, and impact (RS Electric Boats) 6. WP 6 – Data analysis preparation (University of Plymouth) 7. WP 7 – Through-life sustainability analysis for electric boats (University of Plymouth) 8. WP 8 – Development of mobility use case tools (water taxi/RIB) (Urban Truant) 9. WP 9 – Demonstration planning, training, and preparation (RS Electric Boats) 10. WP 10 – Reporting from the build phase (RS Electric Boats) Innovative Adjustments to Scope One key focus is on the hull construction of the Pulse 950 model. By developing a lighter, more efficient hull design, we can significantly improve the vessel’s range and operational flexibility. This innovation will not only enhance performance but also address one of the critical challenges in the adoption of electric maritime technology: energy efficiency. A lighter hull allows for extended operational use, reduced energy consumption, and the ability to handle a wider range of use cases, making these vessels more competitive with traditional diesel-powered boats. Additionally, these advancements will provide an invaluable opportunity to gather data on the interplay between vessel design, propulsion systems, and charging infrastructure. The insights gained from this research will contribute to refining best practices for electric boat construction, optimising energy usage, and advancing the overall electric maritime ecosystem. Beyond technical enhancements, the reallocation of resources enables us to better address sustainability challenges. This includes an analysis of through-life sustainability, ensuring that the materials, production processes, and operational lifecycle of these vessels align with net-zero objectives. By demonstrating the viability of lighter, more efficient electric workboats, we hope to inspire broader adoption of this technology in harbours and marinas worldwide. These scope adjustments also create opportunities for enhanced training and demonstration planning, allowing end-users to better understand the benefits and capabilities of electric vessels. This collaborative, data-driven approach will strengthen the case for replacing fossil fuel-powered boats with greener alternatives, thereby accelerating the industry’s transition to sustainable practices. Ultimately, these innovations will reinforce the UK’s position at the forefront of maritime decarbonisation, showcasing not only technological advancements but also the collaborative strength of UK-based partners in driving meaningful change in the global maritime sector.
Plain English summaries and category classifications on this site are generated by AI and may not perfectly reflect the original research.
Is something wrong? Let us know