Port charging system unveiled at Fowey harbour

Aqua SuperPower has delivered its 60kW battery system as part of the Electric Seaway project funded through the UK’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition by the Department for Transport.

Led by Aqua SuperPower and ZPN Energy, alongside key partners including the University of Plymouth, South Hams District Council, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council and the UK Harbour Masters’ Association, the project has deployed battery-backed ultra-rapid charging technology tailored for shoreside applications.

The project has been particularly focused on grid limitations in coastal areas, ensuring reliable and efficient charging for electric boating areas with limited grid capacity. 

The system is essentially battery cells in a container placed on the harbour and trickle charged all day from the national grid.

The stored energy powers Aqua SuperPower’s PKM150 charger to deliver DC charge directly to vessels, charging a typical workboat in around an hour, says chief project engineer Matthew Holland.

“We are providing infrastructure to allow the marinas to accommodate electric workboats even in areas with limited grid connections,” he said to Maritime Journal. “It means you can double up on sources from a single system – we are looking to run more but realistically we are still making that transition, so most would be single use. In Fowey it’s the smaller end of the spectrum.

“It’s more expensive than putting in a set of cables but we can offset the cost saving long term over not having to procure a new grid connection. Standing capacity charges offset capital expenditure.”

Depending on demand and use case, anything up to a ferry could use the system, he says.

“The brain and brawns behind the project were definitely senior deployment manager Andrew Simpson, who should take all the credit.”

“This is a transformative moment for marine electrification,” said Karen Gill, COO of Aqua SuperPower. “Our battery-backed DC technology overcomes remote infrastructure barriers, delivering fast charging where it’s needed most. Fowey Harbour is now a beacon for the global shift to clean boating.”

“This is a game-changer for Fowey Harbour and Cornwall’s waterways,” said Paul Thomas, CEO & Harbour master at Fowey Harbour. “Aqua SuperPower’s innovative battery-backed DC charger delivers on our TES commitment, enabling rapid electric boat charging despite our limited grid. We’re proud to lead the way in sustainable maritime transport and protect our pristine coastal environment.”