Zero Emission Network of Workboats (ZENOW)

Trailblazing clean maritime
Electric boat- ZENOW project
Project title: Zero Emission Network of Workboats (ZENOW)
Funded by: the Department for Transport, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, secured through the ZEVI: Battery electric vessels and charging infrastructure competition
Funding amount: £5.4 million
University of Plymouth staff: Adam Kyte , Dr Lauren Ansell , Aaron Barrett , Dr Amir Bordbar , Sarah Fear
 
The ZENOW project, a collaboration of UK marine industry leaders, marks a major milestone in the electrification of workboats. By deploying the world’s largest network of zero-emission electric workboats, ZENOW aims to revolutionise the maritime industry by offering reliable, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional workboats.
This initiative will position the UK at the forefront of the rapidly growing zero-emissions maritime sector, enabling businesses to make the transition to electric vessels. By providing a scalable and sustainable model for operators, ZENOW will drive the adoption of electric workboats, benefitting not only the maritime sector but also the broader UK economy and global environmental efforts.
 
ZENOW project overview

Objectives and impact

The ZENOW project seeks to prove that battery-electric workboats can outperform legacy vessels, both in terms of operational efficiency and safety.
The project's diverse range of craft and operations will gather a wealth of data that will provide valuable insights into electric workboat performance, including energy consumption, CO2 savings, battery life, range, and more.
This data will enable operators to understand the full benefits of electric vessels and support wider adoption, paving the way for the UK's leadership in maritime decarbonisation.
Through the collection of operational data, feedback from operators, and extensive analysis, the ZENOW project will demonstrate that electric workboats are not only environmentally friendly but also commercially viable in a variety of real-world settings. This will be achieved through a comprehensive understanding of cost savings, CO2 reductions, and through-life sustainability.
Over the project's three-year duration, an estimated 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions will be saved. Scaled globally, this could save millions of tonnes annually, playing a significant role in the fight against climate change.
electric boat- ZENOW project
 

The University's role in the project

Plymouth researchers play a crucial role in the ZENOW project, contributing their expertise in data analysis and sustainability assessments throughout the project's lifecycle. The University will be responsible for leading two key work packages:

Data analysis preparation

The University will be integral to planning, collecting, and analysing data from the vessel operations. Our involvement ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data, which is critical for the project's success.
Key activities:
  • Establishing a robust data assurance process
  • Identifying the key data points to be collected and monitored during operations
  • Collaborating with RAD Propulsion and Aqua superPower on data logging tools
  • Familiarising with the data logging systems and understanding the logged data
  • Assessing the baseline data to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Electric boat through-life sustainability analysis (keel to grave)

The University's role extends to conducting a comprehensive lifecycle assessment (LCA) of the ZENOW vessels, including their batteries, drives, construction materials, and operational processes. This is vital for making informed design, material, supplier, and operational decisions that promote sustainability across the vessels' lifespan.
Key activities:
  • Defining the system boundaries for the LCA
  • Conducting an initial lifecycle analysis to understand the broader environmental impact
  • Reviewing the preliminary findings from the initial study
  • Carrying out a detailed lifecycle analysis to assess the long-term sustainability of the vessels.
 
electric boat- ZENOW project

Key innovations

The ZENOW project includes several ground-breaking innovations:
  • Cutting-edge propulsion systems: Featuring advanced electric drives designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
  • IoT-based fleetwide data monitoring system: The project will integrate a connected fleet system powered by IoT technology, allowing for the collection of real-time operational data, enhancing performance and battery management, and supporting predictive maintenance.
  • Sustainability and prognostic health management: The integration of sustainability optimisation tools will enhance vessel performance, focusing on improving battery life and optimising charge cycles.


Project deliverables

  • Data insights and analytics: The collaboration between RAD Propulsion, University of Plymouth, and Aqua superPower will generate unique insights into the performance of electric workboats. These findings will shape the future of electric vessels and their widespread adoption.
  • Workshops and public engagement: The project will host a series of workshops, visits, and promotional events to raise awareness about electric boats, particularly in schools and colleges in the operating areas.
  • A path to market growth: By developing an electric vessel franchise model, Urban Truant aims to drive business growth, demonstrating that electric vessels can become a scalable and profitable solution for the maritime industry.

electric boat- ZENOW project
 

Trailblazing clean maritime innovation

At Plymouth, we are among the UK's leading proponents of clean maritime research, with a track record in consistently securing government funding through the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition.
Through engagement with business and the wider scientific community, we are co-creating ways of transforming this research into practical solutions to challenges faced by the marine and maritime sectors.
Clean Maritime

Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy

In response to climate change imperatives, we are bringing together a critical mass of leading research and expertise from across the University of Plymouth. Through co-creation and collaboration with partners from business, government and key communities from across the globe, the Centre aims to be a beacon for the University's whole-system transdisciplinary approach to solutions-oriented research, accelerating sustainable developments in decarbonisation and renewable energy.
Centre for Decarbonisation and Offshore Renewable Energy