Cooperation to build zero-emission Shuttles to improve waterway commuting
Essex, UK and Hamilton, Bermuda [August 30, 2022] White Formula UK, a lead marine composite manufacturer known for Olympic and World Championships catamaran production, and e-Link Commuting Co. Ltd (eLC), a company transforming human and package mobility on the water, announced a partnership to develop a new class of waterway vessels, powered entirely by sustainable energy. Many cities and governments continue to operate aging 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 underutilized, 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.
“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,” noted Robert White, Founder of White Formula UK. “Innovations that we have learned 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”.
“Much of what has been learned from high performance sailing design and composite fabrication should be utilized to build commercially viable net-zero shuttles which will have a positive impact to our environment and passenger experience,” said Stephen Olle, e-Link UK Director and Project Lead for the e-Link Shuttle build. “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, e-Link Co-Founder. “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.
About Renewable Innovations
Renewable Innovations is accelerating the growth and opportunities within the renewable economy. Their team of industry leaders brings extensive experience and invaluable connections across the Renewable, Hydrogen, and Alternative Energy sectors. Along with their partners, investors, and clients, they are making major technological advancements with products and solutions to lead the world into a new and exciting carbon-free future. Learn more at www.renewable-innovations.com.
About e-Link Commuting Co. Ltd
Our unique team of naval architects, electrical engineers, investment managers, experience mariners and environmental activists incorporated e-Link in 2018 and is based out of Bermuda. We designed our shuttle boats to meet future scale of production demands and to encompass sustainability principles aligned with a circular economy. The founders are united by one goal: to build and advance eco-friendly small-scale, fully electric, cost-efficient shuttle boats that meet net-zero climate change goals and withstand marine and weather conditions around the world. Learn more at www.elinkcommuting.com.
