University to take part in project to create cleaner maritime industry

The University of Plymouth has signed up to a new project to create an environmentally cleaner maritime industry.

The University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth will research and develop technologies to encourage harbours and ports to be more environmentally friendly.

Lee Durndell, a lecturer in chemistry at Plymouth University, said there was a clear appetite from both vessel and harbour owners to see the sector grow over the coming years.

The project is led by Aqua superPower, which provides electric boat owners with charging stations.

Alex Bamberg, chief executive of the company, said the work could position the UK as a vessel-to-grid technology pioneer.

He added: “Enhanced energy management will allow sites to better adapt to increasing demands on power from electrification of vessels, potentially reduce the grid connection where capacity is limited or costly and integrate more renewables.”