17 Apr FUNDING SECURED TO ADVANCE CLEAN MARINE PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY
PHC are delighted to be part of an innovative clean maritime project which has secured funding through the Innovate UK Marine and Maritime Launchpad programme. Led by Christchurch-based Lyte Drive Ltd, the project aims to accelerate the development of next-generation electric propulsion systems for marine vessels.
The project brings together Lyte Drive Ltd, Poole Harbour Commissioners, Aquagem Marine Innovation Ltd, and close collaboration with Plymouth University, combining local expertise in maritime operations and marine engineering. The goal is to create a new propulsion system tailored for low-emission operations in coastal and harbour environments — one of the key challenges in the maritime sector’s decarbonisation journey.
The initiative directly supports the recently published Decarbonisation Plan for the Port of Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster, which has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2035 and to reach net zero by 2050 across the Port of Poole estate. Projects like this play a key role in exploring and enabling the technological solutions needed to meet these goals.
Harry Gregory, PHC’s Harbour Master said: “We are pleased to be working with Lyte Drive and Aquagem on this exciting clean propulsion project. As a trust port, we are committed to supporting innovations that reduce emissions and improve environmental performance across our operations. This technology has real potential to support cleaner vessel movements in Poole and beyond.”
The project will deliver a comprehensive feasibility study on converting the existing fleet of PHC vessels to electric propulsion.
The Innovate UK Launchpad Programme is designed to catalyse innovation and collaboration in key regional clusters — with a particular focus on marine and maritime sectors in the Great South West.