This project is the conversion of the UK's first Domestic Passenger Vessel (DPV) from diesel to fully electric operation and to utilise Voyager Marine's boatyard (Voyager) for this work, during a period where capacity has been released due to the impact of COVID-19\.

This project is groundbreaking as it is the first in the UK to develop fully electric propulsion for DPVs operating in the maritime environment. A DPV can carry up to 250 passengers and operate up to 15 miles from harbour.

There are significant challenges to overcome including being the first to install fully electric propulsion onto this type of vessel. We have been working closely with the regulatory authorities to ensure that we meet or exceed the stringent safety requirements set.

The environmental challenges relate principally to operating in a maritime environment, where the atmosphere is salt laden, weather and tide have a significant impact on equipment placement and protection. Weather and tidal flow also impacts on the power requirements for vessels, and the propulsion systems will need to be effective and safe to operate in adverse weather, with strong winds and heavy seas, with associated aggressive vessel movements and potential sea water ingress.

The technical challenges include developing suitably robust systems for operation on Domestic Passenger Vessels, developing energy storage solutions that can work for the vessel. The control and monitoring systems will also be developed to operate effectively in the maritime environment.

All commercial vessels and especially DPVs must meet the stringent requirements of the regulatory authority. We are working closely with them to develop a pathway for approval, the innovative approach we have taken has allowed us to develop a relationship, potentially enabling us to become the first in the UK to obtain approval to operate a DPV with fully electric propulsion.

The operational challenges with the development of the UK's first fully electric DPV include ensuring that the end users are trained, to ensure that this innovative vessel is operable by traditional, skilled Skippers and crew. This will also include training and awareness of the systems as we develop the vessel, therefore, full involvement in this process is essential to ensure familiarity and confidence in the new systems and procedures.

This project is part of a planned development by the partners to convert and build fully electric commercial vessels in the under 24m sector. COVID-19 has had a significant impact in all sectors including the tourist trade, this directly affects the DPV operators and indirectly, the supporting infrastructure, including boatyards where annual maintenance and new build would take place.

This funding will allow us to make use of Voyager, aid its transitioning from traditional maintenance and build of Passenger vessels, to the conversion of the UK's first fully electric DPV. The opportunity to carry out this groundbreaking work during the period from 1st October 2020 to 31st May 2021, will be transformational for the sector and will ensure that Voyager has a secure future.