A new quiet, clean, green and environmentally friendly electric-powered water transport service is about to be launched in the Yealm estuary in south Devon.
Yealm Community Electric Transport (YCET) will be operating in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to benefit community, environment and tourism. YCET is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, planning to invest any surplus from its activities in environmental, educational and social projects in the parishes bordering the Yealm estuary.
The idea was originally conceived at a socially distanced meeting in a barn in early 2020. Three directors were already involved in Yealm Community Energy, another non-profit social enterprise offering the opportunity to invest in locally-generated clean electricity, which has already helped to finance e-bikes, solar panels and insulation locally.
The flat-bottomed HasKamp 700 aluminium boat, named EVY, has a front-loading ramp and is powered exclusively by a Toorqeedo electric outboard motor. It has been certified as safety compliant by the relevant authorities and will be operated by a highly experienced Boat Master and a team of trained volunteers.
The Yealm has an existing water ferry, but the new boat will complement its running hours with an on-demand service before 10am and from 4pm until late, tide and weather permitting. In addition, it will run longer educational or school trips and outings to help people with disabilities experience the stunning river setting.
The launch date for the regular water ferry/taxi service for visiting yachtsmen, locals and walkers along the Coast Path is 01 April. However, the boat has recently been coded and signed-off, so will be available for group hire from 01 March.
As co-founder and director Tracy Ebbrell explains: “The Yealm is rammed in the summer, with lots of visitors going tiny distances in petrol/diesel tenders from their yachts to local shops, pubs and restaurants. This service, to sailors in particular, will help to decarbonise the parish and will only cost between £3 and £5 for a journey. It also makes circular walks possible in the area.”
This pioneering project is the subject of case studies both regionally and nationally, because of the interest in working towards Maritime Net Zero by 2030. Locally, Tamar AONB is planning to replicate it. The directors hope that it will help to make a step change in electric transport in the UK.
Those going to the SW Cruising Conference on 11 March will be able to meet representatives from the YCET.
