Environment Agency Launches New Electric Workboat on Thames

30 June 2026

The Environment Agency made a significant stride towards reducing carbon emissions in commercial workboats with the launch of Blackwater Joule at Henley Royal Regatta. This new electric workboat will be used for river enforcement and regular patrols as well as maintenance. The shift to electric power will contribute to helping the organization to fulfill its pledge to significantly reduce its fleet boat emissions. This workboat is part of the Zero Emission Workboat Network (ZENOW) project that supports the adoption of zero emission commercial maritime vessels. An advisor for the Environment Agency said that Blackwater Joule was introduced in a timely manner as many of their medium-sized craft were approaching the end of their lives. Its sister ship Electra is scheduled to be launched in East Anglia soon. The ZENOW project will monitor and analyze usage data until 2028, helping develop the cleaner maritime sector and inform future policy and regulatory decisions.  The ZENOW network will consist of 20 electric workboats of three different classes and new Aqua Superpower chargers. This will be operated for up to three years across ten geographic locations. The UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions and Innovate UK run this network. The ZENOW partnership comprises the University of Plymouth, Lloyd’s Register EMEA, Aqua Superpower Ltd, and other organizations. 

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IMO Research and Development (R&D) Forum: Marine Pollution Preparedness for Alternative Fuels

The transition to alternative marine fuels is essential to achieving IMO’s decarbonization goals while it also introduces new pollution-response risks. This is why It is important to strengthen global preparedness. IMO Research and Development (R&D) Forum, which is scheduled to be held in September 2026, will be a venue for discussions on knowledge and capability gaps in responses to spills involving alternative marine fuels. This event, which will take place on September 21 to 22 in Suntec, Singapore, will attract global experts, including representatives from least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS), to address science-based preparedness and response to alternative fuel spills. Registration for the attendance at the R&D forum is currently open. Remote participation will not be available while all presentations will be delivered in English. The event will include the following programs: Introduction and Scene Setting; Spill Fate and Behavior; Atmospheric and water column Modelling; Risk Assessment and Preparedness; Emergency Response; Post-spill Actions. The forum will consist of presentations, case studies, panel discussions, and interactive working sessions. This aims to reinforce international cooperation frameworks, prepare a global research and development roadmap, and build capacity. A full report will be produced after the event.  

For the original article, please visit https://www.imo.org/en/about/events/pages/imo-research-and-development-forum.aspx or scan the QR code below.