Fowey Harbour in Cornwall, United Kingdom, now hosts a direct current (DC) charger for electric boats developed by Aqua superPower. The installation uses a battery-supported system to supply power to vessels without requiring upgrades to the local grid. Aqua superPower describes it as the world’s first battery-backed DC charger in a marine environment.
The 60 kW battery system charges from the harbour’s single-phase power supply and powers the Aqua PKM 150 charger, which delivers up to 50 kVA of DC electricity to leisure boats, work vessels and ferries. The system is designed to provide a full charge in under an hour and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Paul Thomas, CEO and Harbourmaster at Fowey Harbour said: “This is a game-changer for Fowey Harbour and Cornwall’s waterways. 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.”
The Electric Seaway (TES) project is funded through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. The TES project aims to establish a nationwide network of electric charging points for UK waterways.
Karen Gill, COO of Aqua superPower, said: “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.”
Fowey Harbour manages both leisure and commercial traffic. The harbour has around 1,500 resident moorings and receives approximately 6,000 visiting yachts and motor cruisers each year. Commercial operations handle roughly 450,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
Images courtesy of Aqua superPower.
