Greener boating
Phil Pickin turns the spotlight on power in this new series looking at what could be the ‘new normal’ for environmentally friendly boaters.
WE OFTEN think about the move to more environmentally friendly forms of propulsion and power generation as a new thing but, as the saying goes, time flies.
It was back in 2005 that the International Energy Agency provided a £150,000 grant to (among others) the University of Birmingham for a project that went on to produce the narrowboat Ross Barlow , an electrically powered narrowboat fuelled by a hydrogen fuel cell.
Although the idea of using hydrogen as a fuel is still popular due to its lack of harmful emissions costs, a lack of infrastructure means that the 52ft boat is moored close to the university, seemingly unused.
But with government pledges for the country to have net zero emissions by 2050 and, more importantly, our urgent need to reverse climate change a lot sooner than that, more people are now looking to use electric propulsion both in their cars and boats.
With shipping being a significant contributor to carbon emissions, the Government launched the Green Maritime Plan, which also covers the inland waterways. It says that by 2025 the Government expects all new vessels being ordered for use in UK waters to be designed with zero emissions propulsion capability.
Peter Birch, national environmental policy advisor at Canal & River Trust, told us: “This is one of the headline ambitions in the plan – it’s not a statutory target but an indicator of where the industry needs to be if we are to progress towards net zero emissions by 2050 (which IS a statutory target the Government signed up to last year by amending the detail of the Climate Change Act).”
He continued: “The industry already has a number of different technologies in development and on sale – including full electrics, hybrids and alternative fuels such as hydrogen – and there are a couple of hundred low-carbon boats currently in operation on our network.
“Whatever standard emerges for new craft, many older boats will persist for decades yet, so the trust is currently looking at the viability of making short-term changes by switching to the new generation of biodiesels (‘HVOs’) which overcome all the problems of normal biodiesel and are effectively carbon-neutral as well as offering lower air pollutant emissions as well.”
Growing market
As you might expect, the businesses which supply this market are working hard to develop and promote their products to what is a growing market. Anyone who has ever visited Crick can’t fail to have noticed one of these, namely Fischer Panda UK, established more than 25 years ago.
Over the years, the company has displayed a wide range of marine products at all of the major events. With the need to move away from diesel for propulsion and power generation in mind, we spoke its sales and marketing director Chris Fower about the future.
Chris sees ‘massive growth’ in the inland waterways sector, the USP being able to provide a package from power generation to control and storage through to propulsion. He feels this gives customers and builders confidence to use them as they can provide just about everything needed. The only thing they don’t supply are solar panels, but they can design a system that incorporates the customer’s own.
Battery management is always an area for significant R&D, as is the design of the batteries themselves and this continues. The feedback provided by customers and builders helps to guide the development of products. He feels that in the long term, Brexit could help put British engineering back at the forefront. It used to be seen as a quality product and could be again. But it may take many years. Now builders have to offer alternatives to diesel propulsion.
Electric outboards
A significant player and wellknown name in the marine propulsion sector is Barrus, which has a range of electric outboard motors. Although these are not the mainstay engine for the majority of waterways users, outboards should not be overlooked when it comes to greenhouse gases. The company has three outboard engines, a 6hp, 10hp and 20hp, all of which are 48v and have a variable speed range that can be locked so both commercial and hire fleets can use them.
As you might expect, the range offers adjustable leg length from short to long shaft and, having coolant reservoirs with a recirculation pump housed within the leg, ensures no dirt or sand enters the system – a feature that can be of interest to reduce maintenance costs, thereby reducing waste even further.
When it comes to electrical power on a boat, one of the best-known names has to be that of Victron. The company has designed and produced energy products for the last 45 years to allow ‘normal’ household appliances to be used on board.
When asked whether Victron is seeing a move away from diesel for power generation in the UK’s inland waterways sector, Johannes Boonstra told us: “Not really, there are some projects but the major boats builders still ‘do’ diesel propulsion.”
According to Johannes: “In general the need for electrical energy on board grows, not just propulsion, so therefore the turnover is growing as well.” One thing that might impact
on growth is Brexit but, as with the rest of us, it seems Victron is unsure what the future will hold.
When asked if he saw Brexit as an issue with the supply of products into the UK, Johannes told us: “No, as far as we can see, there are no issues in the short term – but who knows what regulations politicians will come up with?”
When it comes to electrical propulsion, many people feel that where the automotive industry leads, the marina industry will follow; however, Johannes felt that “these two sectors should not be compared”.
Hybrid systems
Another company that has become synonymous with more environmentally friendly forms of propulsion is that of Hybrid Marine. The company, based on the Isle of Wight, has been developing hybrid systems since 2002.
Look into the engine bay of many newly built narrowboats – and a good number of boats that have had their engines replaced – and you’ll find a Beta-based hybrid system. For those who are unsure, the Hybrid Marine system provides what many would see as a ‘best of both worlds’ solution.
A diesel engine for times when you might need extra power and, of course, when you need to charge the batteries if the input from your solar panels has been insufficient. And an electric motor to cruise quietly and move fume free through a lock.
Graeme Hawksley of Hybrid Marine added: “We are seeing a steady growth in demand for our parallel Hybrid systems. At the same time many more suppliers are coming into the market with a wide range of offerings. Potential customers are often confused by the options available.
“When considering the choice between a parallel hybrid and a pure electric drive (or serial hybrid) system there are a few basic truths to keep in mind. A 10hp electric motor is equivalent to a 10hp engine, no more and no less. A motor does not possess any magical qualities that make it equivalent to a larger engine (despite many claims to the contrary).
“You would not fit a 10hp engine to a narrowboat and expect it to be powerful enough to deal with all conditions, this is why you see 40 to 50hp engines fitted to narrowboats. A single horse used to be the standard form of propulsion. However, a horse can generate over 14hp (though not continuously) and would not be used to tow a barge with a fast-moving current. A 10hp electric motor works fine for sheltered canals. If there are minimal requirements for onboard electrical power and provided there are enough charging points, then pure electric drive can be practical.”
He continued: “However if intending to explore the network and wanting to have the same level of luxury (electrical appliances) as you are used to then a parallel hybrid is the best option. A parallel hybrid provides a powerful diesel when it’s required and long periods of electric drive when conditions permit. With your own generation capability you are never short of onboard electrical energy and can make use of any charging point when available.”
Until we have an established network of recharging facilities on the system, possibly offered by marinas which provide shortterm moorings to recharge battery banks, hybrid power is likely to be the most popular option for many. Having been in this market for many years, Hybrid Marine has built up a considerable amount of experience, much of which is available on the company’s website. An ideal place to visit if you are considering a move in this direction.
High-profile projects
Another well-established company working in this sector is Lynch Motors which, over the years, has been involved in some very high-profile projects. Trevor Lees, director of Lynch Motors, has, like the rest of us, seen the benefits of the reduction in pollution levels.
He pointed out: “During the global Covid-19 pandemic the world has seen pollution levels plummet and the natural world thrive, the waterways of Venice now run clear and have welcomed dolphins back for the first time in over six decades.”
Trevor continued: “Across almost three decades Lynch Motors have designed, built and developed a range of electric motors and are now widely regarded as innovators and leaders of electric marine drive systems in the UK and across the globe. The motors are also compliant with all government legislation including the Clean Maritime Plan – the pathway to zero-emission shipping.”
He pointed out that the Lynch motors are “lightweight, small, yet extremely powerful and efficient drive systems that are easy to install on narrowboats, canal barges, house, hire and sailing boats. They are exceptionally reliable and low maintenance due to very few moving parts. They can be replenished under sail, by the sun or by charging”.
Trevor very proudly told us: “High-profile boats that feature a Lynch Motor include The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Royal Barge, Gloriana, as well as 70% of the racing yachts that compete in The Vendée Globe, a non-stop around-the-world race. The systems have also helped set three world records!”
Thankfully it would seem the majority of businesses operating in this sector are seeing a significant shift towards electric propulsion, not as a result of legislation but due to buyers wanting to reduce their carbon footprint. I’m aware of more developments currently under way by a number of companies that, due to a lack of space, we couldn’t include. But rest assured you will be seeing more about what they have to offer over the coming months.