Electric ferry UK partner is top boat builder
The Bermuda company e-Link Commuting Co. Ltd., which is building advanced electric ferries, will partner with White Formula UK, a leading marine composite manufacturer known for Olympic and World Championships catamaran production.
The UK company has said the partnership will develop a new class of waterway vessels, powered entirely by sustainable energy.
White Formula is a boat builder based in Brightlingsea, Essex, with over 40 years of knowledge, including a special expertise in carbon and fibreglass construction.
In a joint statement, the partnering companies said: “Many cities and governments continue to operate ageing fossil fuel waterborne vessels on primary marine commuting routes.
“Studies have shown that passengers prefer to travel more on the water when compared to equivalent bus journeys.
“Many inland waterways are currently underutilised, and by shifting transport to these waterways, benefits can be achieved in reducing not only vehicle pollution and congestion, but travel times.
“e-Link and White Formula UK have teamed up to design and build a shuttle platform to exclusively leverage an electric propulsion system.
“This system delivers both greater user safety and service longevity, while providing an innovative and enhanced customer experience.”
Robert White, Founder of White Formula UK commented: “We are excited to be able to apply composite boat hull manufacturing technology to produce a stronger, lighter boat hull and upper deck based on a modular design that will improve boat delivery and assembly logistics.
“Innovations that we have learnt and have successfully applied in the racing world will be incorporated into this project to help ensure the desired durability and operational performance for e-Link shuttle solution.”
Stephen Olle, eLC UK Director and Project Lead for the eLink Shuttle build noted: “Much of what has been learnt from high performance sailing design and composite fabrication should be utilised to build commercially viable net-zero shuttles which will have a positive impact to our environment and passenger experience.
“Our collaboration with White Formula UK provides the necessary confidence in our ability to meet commercial vessel requirements operators will require in various locations around the world.”
The e-Link team will focus on the business model and technical aspects the propulsion system, while White Formula UK will help build the vessel to meet the classification requirements along with input from naval architects, and other suppliers and so that it can be easily transported, assembled, and put into operations in the location identified by various operators around the world.
“White Formula UK has been a pioneering composite fabricator and builder for several successful Championship campaigns when it comes to catamaran production, “commented Alan Burland, eLC Cofounder.
“By having them in our corner, our e-Link Shuttle should demonstrate the best practices in manufacturing technology that will give our shuttle operators confidence in our Shuttle’s performance and durability.”
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