A cutting edge ‘green’ hybrid-engined ferry, powered by state-of-the-art Lithium-ion batteries, has been developed, trialled and successfully operated commercially on the River Fal.

Fal River Cornwall (Cornwall Ferries Ltd) have 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 project, named “HEVIMA” (Hybrid Electrical Vessel propulsion with Integrated Motor Assist), 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.

Throughout the G7 conference the Kingsley II has been alongside in Falmouth near the International Press Centre with opportunities to book interviews with systems designer Dennis Doerffel of REAP Systems, the principle engineer on the project and Tim Smithies (chairman of Fal River Cornwall) and other members of the project team.

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, which Fal River Cornwalls says reduces carbon emissions and also noise pollution, thereby improving passenger enjoyment.

Chairman Tim Smithies said: “We have found passengers enjoyed the quieter engine operation and also were fascinated by these steps we are taking to address the UK zero carbon goals in the marine sector.

"It’s also been great to work alongside engineers to improve the passenger experience on the new passenger service from St Mawes and Trelissick. We operate in one of Cornwall’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and where nature and the sea have such beauty and majesty – we wantclean, safe transport systems connecting communities on the river and estuary.”

The boat will be moored between 10am and 4pm on Sunday.