30th May 2023
South Devon College Marine Academy recently held a day-long eTransition Workshop. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in marine and sustainable solutions.
This was the first of the e-transition workshops designed to inform and support the transition to electric propulsion and clean technology in the South Hams marine leisure and tourism sectors. In Salcombe Harbour alone, currently RIBs and tenders make up 50% of the leisure market and they are all contributing to climate change through emissions. Technology is moving fast and its easy to be confused about how to move to clean propulsion systems. The workshops provide a platform to both find out more and experience zero emissions propulsion.
The event was opened with a keynote speech by Conrad Humphreys, a professional yachtsman, adventurer and motivational speaker. Conrad is the founder of Blue Environment, a sport environment initiative designed to connect people with our blue environment. He spoke about his experiences as a professional yachtsman and his passion for sport and sustainability. He also provided an update on Bounty’s End – the replica launch used in Channel 4’s ‘Mutiny’ programme that he acquired after filming finished. Bounty’s End is now a living example of sustainable zero emissions propulsion having been retro-fitted with an all electric Lynch Motor propulsion system.
The workshop delivered a comprehensive agenda filled with insightful presentations, case studies, and live demonstrations. Speakers on the day included: Wayne Peters, North Devon Marine & Sail Electric, Jamie Marley, Marine Electrification Solutions, Phil Horton, Sustainability Manager at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
Conrad Humphreys said, ”It was great to bring together some of the marine industry’s innovators and creative minds to share their experiences of how and why we need to transition away from fossil fuels to clean technologies. It’s clear that there is significant progress being made across technologies from pure electric to hydrogen and many great examples across the UK maritime sector. Huge thanks to South Hams District Council, South Devon College, delegates, speakers and marine businesses for attending and supporting this important event.”
The workshop also featured a series of concise and informative case studies delivered by industry experts; Husnain Khan Global Deployment Director at Aqua Super Power, Trevor Rees from Lynch Motors, Nigel Irens from Clara Boat Co., Paddy James from RS Marine Group and Steve Bruce from ePropulsion UK.
Following the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to experience live demonstrations both on water and on land.
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