Ferry to trial electricity in decarbonisation push

The government has granted £300,000 for the study

A chain ferry between Devon and Cornwall is to be part of a green energy trial.

The Torpoint Ferry will use electricity in place of fossil fuels in a study scheduled to begin early next year, said its operator.

Tamar Crossings said successful decarbonisation could reduce carbon emissions from its three ferries by up to 1,000 tonnes a year.

The project was awarded £300,000 from the government as part of its aim for net zero shipping by 2050.

Philip Robinson, chief officer with Tamar Crossings, said: "We've got to move with the times.

"The project will help us look at how we take this further and convert the ferries to electricity in the future."

Partnering the ferry firm in the project is Marine Zero, which will contribute electricity charging solutions, and the University of Plymouth, which will collect and analyse findings.

Tim Munn, managing director at Marine Zero, said several options would be studied including storing batteries on board and connecting the ferries to the shore by cable reels, with safety, operational costs and reliability being major factors of the analysis.