UK consortium leads study into floating charging hubs for electric boats

A consortium led by Urban Foresight has been awarded funding from Innovate UK to lead CoastalCoRRE, a pioneering study exploring modular, floating e-boat charging hubs.

The hubs are intended to overcome the physical, electrical and environmental constraints of remote coastal locations, where access to reliable charging remains a key barrier to the adoption of electric and hybrid vessels.

The UK-based collaboration team delivering CoastalCoRRE comprises Urban Foresight, Supply Design, University of Plymouth, European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), Apricity and Mhor Energy.

By enabling vessels to recharge closer to where they operate, CoastalCoRRE could reduce the need for oversized onboard batteries, extend vessel operational capabilities and lower emissions from existing fossil fuel-based engines. This supports the UK’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050.

The system will be capable of connecting to a variety of renewable energy generation technologies using advanced power conversion technology, provided by project partner Supply Design. Safe, long-life marine energy storage will be provided by a novel, scalable, redox flow battery developed by Mhor Energy.

During the study, the floating charging platform will be simulated and tested at scale under ‘real-world’ wave and tidal conditions in the University of Plymouth’s COAST Lab.

Analysis will also be carried out to inform the design, siting and future applications of the hub, using Orkney as a primary case study. EMEC will support market engagement and guide the project’s approach to marine licensing and the assessment of potential deployment sites.

Lifecycle and market analysis will be carried out by Apricity to assess emissions reduction potential and identify where the CoastalCoRRE system could have broader replicability across other UK coastal communities.

Within seven months, the system is expected to reach technology readiness level 4 (TRL4), enabling controlled testing and informing plans for a full-scale demonstrator by 2028. The project is funded by the UK

Government through the UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, delivered by Innovate UK.

Callum White, Head of Zero Emission Mobility, at Urban Foresight commented:

“CoastalCoRRE is about delivering practical, scalable solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of our coastal fleets. By bringing charging infrastructure to where vessels operate, we can unlock the potential of electric propulsion in even the most remote parts of the UK.”

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:

“It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.

“We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30m will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.”

Mike Biddle, Executive Director, Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

“Congratulations to the awarded projects, a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. Innovate UK looks forward to working with partners to support these projects focused on the ever-more prevalent issue of decarbonisation with emphasis on a range of physical, digital, system and skills-based innovation.”