11 July 2024

In these ever-changing tides of waterway travel, a new wave of electric and hybrid narrowboats has emerged. Just as we saw with the adoption of electric vehicles 15 years ago, we are now witnessing significant strides in electric boat technology. A few years into this innovative and zero-emission pledge, we are starting to see a variety of electric boats, including cabin cruisers, narrowboats, and water taxis. 

Recently, Rolec’s dedicated marina team docked at Aquavista’s Brinklow Waterside & Marina, located in the Northern Arm of the Oxford Canal in Warwickshire. Cruising in with style, in their EVs, the team hand-delivered Brinklow’s first electric boat charging point! The new Quantum charger features two sockets and is personalised with Brinklow Marina’s branding.

Here at Rolec, we offer the manufacturing of pedestals with varying numbers of sockets – one, two, three or four. These pedestals can feature standard Commando sockets, which have been used in marinas for decades, supporting different amperes and voltages from 16 amp single-phase to 125 amp three-phase. Additionally, we can incorporate type two sockets, also used in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Our pedestals can even combine commando and type two sockets. We also provide DC units that offer rapid charging speeds and CCS socket standards.

Rolec has been designing and manufacturing outdoor electrical equipment for over three decades and has been on the forefront of technological advancements at every junction. Our work with the boating sector has been no different, leading to the development of a vast range of waterside electrical, sanitation and emergency services equipment suited to the needs of any marina.

Brinklow Marina is situated in the Northern Arm of the Oxford Canal in Warwickshire. It is part of a network comprising 29 diverse marinas, ranging from quaint locations tucked into the English countryside to larger ones positioned in the heart of bustling cities. Brinklow represents the largest group of inland marinas in the UK. Each marina is unique, yet all share a common aim: to share the benefits of waterside life. Our next delivery will be an electric boat charger to Aquavista’s Sawley Waterside & Marina.

All marinas in the network offer convenient access to the waterways and numerous excellent cruising routes. Their goal is for everyone to enjoy the waterside experience as much as they do. They are committed to making life by the water accessible and enjoyable for all. "We are just happy folks enjoying life on the water…" a representative from Brinklow said.

Holly Brown, Commercial Director at Rolec, said: “Rolec was so happy to support the work UK narrowboat builders, UK mariners and marina industry associates are doing to promote boat electrification and environmentally friendly boating by supporting the ELECTRIKA event and installing Aquavista’s first electric boat chargepoint. We are open to supporting further UK boating electrification innovations and welcome approaches for new marina projects.”

Dave Trivett, Marina Manager at Brinklow, added: “We’re delighted that Rolec chose to support Aquavista’s Brinklow Waterside & Marina with the installation of a fast boat charger, and just in time for the inaugural ELECTRIKA Boat Show where some 19 electric narrowboats made full use! Aquavista is dedicated to supporting pioneers in sustainable boating and hopes that with increasing up-take of new technologies we will be delivering infrastructure to enable this future at more of our 29 marinas with support from the fantastic team at Rolec in the near future.”  

If you require industry leading expertise with a site visit/survey, no obligation quotation, project guidance or anything else, please get in touch with Rolec’s marina team: rolec@rolecserv.co.uk