New silent weapon making splash in council's battle towards net zero

A NEW weapon in a South Devon council's battle to hit its net zero target has been launched.

- by GUY HENDERSON

Salcombe harbour staff are using an all-electric boat as part of a nationwide trial to see if clean, quiet battery power can take the place of petrol and diesel in busy waters like those of the Kingsbridge estuary.

And so far the verdict on the whispering workboat is a big thumbs-up. The RS Pulse 63 rigid inflatable is more than pulling its weight when it comes to the daily routine of the bustling harbour.

It can work as a comfortable water taxi, it can manoeuvre in tight spaces as harbour staff check on visiting yachts and it can even tow the recycling bins ashore from the visiting yacht pontoons whenever they need emptying.

And because it is part of a Government-funded three-year project, it isn’t costing South Hams Council a penny, despite having an asking price that runs into six figures.