The Round Britain eRIB challenge is a not-for-profit event which aims to support the marine industry’s transition to electric propulsion for leisure and small commercial craft. To do this, a 17-year-old skipper, Harry Besley, from Taunton, Somerset, will attempt to drive an electric boat around Britain in Summer 2023. Setting off from Lyme Regis in Dorset, the team will be using a unique combination of shoreside infrastructure and on-water charging.
This environmental challenge originated from the lack of an alternative to fossil fuel propulsion in the small leisure powerboat sector. The electric RIB being built specifically for the Challenge will be used to showcase the capabilities of electric propulsion in UK coastal waters.
A significant part of the Round Britain eRIB project is to encourage the installation of charging infrastructure to support local sailing clubs, marinas, harbour authorities, port operators and private owners in the transition of their vessels to electric, zero emission propulsion. Encouraging and building knowledge about the charging options for eBoats helps build momentum in the direction of the UK Government target which states in the Clean Maritime Plan 2050 that “by 2025 all new vessels being ordered for use in UK waters must be designed with zero emission propulsion capability.”
At the forefront of this developing sector, the Challenge team will be relying on generous support from the wide range of small harbours and ports that make up our coastline, as well as the British engineering companies who are now becoming part of our history in leading maritime innovation. Working with British Marine and the RYA, through their joint programme The Green Blue, the Challenge team will enhance public knowledge and understanding, and ensure the momentum generated in the market is harnessed.
This project will:
- Support the Clean Maritime Plan target that all new vessels being ordered foruse in UK waters are designed with zero emission propulsion capability by 2025
- Enable more local sailing clubs, marinas, harbour authorities, port operators and private owners to access eBoat charging facilities
- Showcase the potential of eBoats in UK Coastal waters
- Set a baseline for eBoating capabilities in 2023 and set a target for future Challenges to beat
“I believe that we cause too much damage to the world, and I want to change that. I wanted to do something that people will remember, something that could have an impact. If we are successful, then this project could help change the future for the leisure marine industry forever But change can only happen if we work together and getting public support the Challenge through our social media platforms will definitely help us get to the start line. What happens after that….well, that’s what we hope to find out!” Harry Besley, Round Britain eRIB Skipper and Marketing Manager
“We cannot under estimate the scale of this Challenge. eBoat technology is only just developing and EV battery management systems are not designed for continual impact. Early adopters are seeing significant issues and regulations have not yet caught up. Along with that, we have massive range constraints and virtually no shore side charging infrastructure and are looking for Partners to help us with on-water charging. This is a massive undertaking but we are already seeing results: 10 or our strategic STOP locations are planning to install permanent eBoat charging infrastructure and we will be supporting a new entrant into the eBoat market.” Jaqui Besley, Round Britain eRIB Project Manager
The Challenge team have been working on this project in their spare time for over a year and are now looking for public and industry support to raise the funds to make this a reality.
Learn more about the Challenge by visiting the Round Britain eRIB Challenge website.
