Brightlingsea Harbour has built Essex’s first sea-going electric ferry and is using it to service its expanding harbour cruise and charter programme.

The Colne Innovation is coded to transport up to 12 passengers and will reduce the environmental impact in the harbour by saving fuel and reducing emissions.

A grant of £5,000 from LoCASE – Low Carbon across the Southeast – contributed to the £30,000 project, with the remainder coming from harbour funds and the sale of redundant equipment.

The £3,000 boat, an IP 24, had been partly prepared for life as a fishing boat and, as it had a prop shaft but no engine, was ideal for the project. It was located in a field in Anglesey and brought to Brightlingsea by local haulier Matt Plant in February 2023.

The harbour team had to make several modifications to create a viable passenger boat, working on the steering system, rudder, propeller, trailer and more before the installation of the motor and batteries could commence.

Sea trials led to more modifications so that the boat would be capable of making two trips to Wivenhoe and back on a single charge – something the boat is now more than capable of doing at a cost of just £2.45 for a full charge, compared with up to £25 for diesel used by the existing ferry.

Over a year, the boat is expected to save around 1,550 litres of diesel, going some way towards a government target of a 50% reduction in emissions from the maritime sector by 2050.

Another bonus is the reduction in noise pollution. The engine is said to be whisper-quiet, making it ideal for harbour tours and more comfortable for passengers. The boat has successfully completed a passenger-carrying trip to Wivenhoe.

The boat’s project manager, marine engineer Ross Bourne, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be part of the harbour’s move towards a more environmentally sustainable future. This project has really tested me, but at the same time been rewarding in equal measure.

“This is the start; we need now to understand how technology can be integrated into our other vessels, to improve efficiency and maintain the environment.”

Harbour Master James Thomas said: “We will also look at alternatives to the grid for charging. Using the environment; wind, sun and tide to produce enough power to charge our batteries is our ultimate goal”

Solar panels will be added in the future to reduce the amount of mains charging required and extend potential service time. In addition, a small mizzen mast with a simple sail may be added which could help to balance the boat in choppy conditions and assist in powering it.

As well as being used for regular harbour and river tours, Colne Innovation is also available for private charter for groups of up to 12 people. Further information about the tours and charters can be found on the Harbour Commission website.