Launched in 2023 with £3.2m (US$4.3m) in funding from the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) program in the Department for Transport, The Electric Seaway project has now officially established eight new charging sites to support the growing fleet of electric maritime vessels on the south coast of the UK.
Led by Aqua SuperPower and ZPN Energy, alongside key partners including the University of Plymouth, South Hams district council, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council, and the UK Harbour Masters’ Association, the project has achieved its goal of enabling leisure and commercial vessels under 24m to transition to clean energy, which supports the UK’s Maritime 2050 decarbonization targets.
Enabling technology
The project deployed battery-backed ultra-rapid charging technology tailored for shoreside applications. This solution overcomes grid limitations in coastal areas, ensuring reliable and efficient charging for electric boating areas with limited grid capacity. Environmental sensors installed at all charging sites by the University of Plymouth provide valuable data, confirming the positive environmental impact of this shift to cleaner marine travel.
The completion of The Electric Seaway project builds on the Marine eCharging Living Lab (MeLL) project, expanding the UK’s first marine charging network into a scalable model. The initiative has not only delivered on its technical objectives but also supported a cluster of low-carbon marine businesses and created new jobs.
Local decarbonization
The Electric Seaway locations include MDL Ocean Village, Isle of Wight Trinity Landing featuring two chargers, and Fowey, equipped with two chargers — one supported by an innovative ZPN battery backup. Expanding the Aqua network, additional fast-charging marine sites now encompass Lymington, Chichester Itchenor and Falmouth, reinforcing The Electric Seaway’s commitment to sustainable and efficient maritime energy solutions.
Throughout the project, partners like ZPN Energy have refined processes for efficient site delivery, ensuring scalable and practical deployment of charging stations along the UK’s south coast. The University of Plymouth has led ongoing environmental data collection, employing sensors to monitor ecological impacts and inform future decarbonization strategies. Meanwhile, Aqua SuperPower has introduced a new compatibility service, enhancing interoperability between charging systems and electric vessels.
Karen Gill, chief operating officer (COO) of Aqua SuperPower, said, “The Electric Seaway has been a resounding success, delivering on our vision to create a reliable and accessible charging network for electric vessels. This project showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the decarbonization of the maritime sector.
“We’re thrilled to see the south coast emerge as a hub for sustainable marine travel, offering both commercial operators and leisure users the confidence to embrace electric propulsion. The Electric Seaway is one of many projects demonstrating and showcasing their project and technology around the UK in 2025, involving a variety of vessel types and new infrastructure in ports and harbours.”
James Foster, CEO of ZPN Energy, added, “Our battery-backed charging technology has proven its value in overcoming infrastructure challenges, ensuring rapid charging even in areas with limited grid capacity. The project provided valuable learning around third-party chargers, allowing access to a retrofit model. Completing The Electric Seaway is a milestone for us and a testament to how public investment in innovation can deliver real-world impact.”
Dr Simon Ussher, associate professor of marine and analytical chemistry at the University of Plymouth, reflected, “The Electric Seaway has demonstrated how research, industry and local stakeholders can work together to tackle the complex challenges of maritime decarbonization. The data and insights we’ve gathered will inform future efforts, ensuring the transition to zero-emission fleets accelerates in line with the 2050 goals.”
In related news, the University of Plymouth in the UK has become the first UK university to add a boat powered by electricity to its fleet of education and research vessels. The new ZENOW RS Pulse is part of the ZENOW project (Zero Emission Network of Workboats), which will see a further 14 similar vessels launched across the country. Click here to read the full story.