A cutting edge ‘green’ hybrid-engined ferry, powered by state-of-the-art Lithium-ion batteries, that was developed, trialled and now successfully operates commercially on the River Fal, situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was on display for the recent G7 conference in Cornwall.

The project, named “HEVIMA”  Hybrid Electrical Vessel propulsion with Integrated Motor Assist’, of which MSE International was a partner, used the ferry as a test bed for a new electric and diesel hybrid engine. This is the first hybrid diesel electric engine to be retro installed in a passenger ferry of this scale in the UK and the scope for transforming emissions on all rivers, waterways and coastal traffic worldwide is huge. 

As partner in the project, Fal River Cornwall (Cornwall Ferries Ltd) put their classic wooden ferry “Kingsley II”, that was originally built in 1934 by Percy Mitchell in South Cornwall at the disposal of a team of expert engineers from REAP Systems, supported by global battery manufacturer GS Yuasa.

The G7 meeting had as one of its top priorities the discussion of the Climate Emergency and agreeing actions to reduce carbon emissions preparing for COP26 later this year in Glasgow. In Cornwall, this small family owned ferry company, Fal River Cornwall has been active with world-wide experts in testbedding clean maritime propulsion systems and other green initiatives which can have significant global impacts to reduce emissions in the marine sector. 

The partners in HEVIMA included many of the leading names in British marine research and development,  REAP Systems who worked with GS Yuasa,  Babcock International, Lloyds Register, MSE International,  Southampton University, Mainstay Marine and Innovate UK.

Following the installation, the ferry was successfully operated in the summer of 2019 along the River Fal between the ports of St Mawes and Trelissick carrying thousands of passengers. The propulsion system operates on electric power in the Special Area of Conservation in St Mawes and in the upper reaches of the Fal and thus reduces carbon emissions and also noise pollution – improving passenger enjoyment.

For more information on the Kingsley II and Fal River Cornwall click here and for details about the HEVIMA project follow this link.