A Norfolk firm has launched a multi-million pound project to convert a diesel crew transfer boat into a fully electric vessel - the first time this type retrofit has ever been done.

Tidal Transit, based in Egmere in north Norfolk, will retrofit the diesel-powered 20m vessel, Ginny Louise, with over two megawatt-hours of battery capacity, electric motors, and propulsion pods. 

Eastern Daily Press: E-Ginny is a world-first retrofit by Norfolk firm Tidal Transit (digital render)E-Ginny is a world-first retrofit by Norfolk firm Tidal Transit (digital render) (Image: Tidal Transit)

The finished product, e-Ginny, will be 100pc zero emission and near-silent for passengers and passers-by.

It will be used to transfer crew working on offshore wind farms off the coast of East Anglia. 

All together the project will cost £8m, and is being part funded by the Zero Emissions Vessel and Infrastructure (ZEVI) competition.

Eastern Daily Press: Tidal Transit's (L) Adam Wright and Leo Hambro at the Outer Harbour in Wells. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Newsquest)Tidal Transit's (L) Adam Wright and Leo Hambro at the Outer Harbour in Wells. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Leo Hambro, commercial director of Tidal Transit, said: “This project is a significant step forward in propelling the offshore transport industry into a new zero-carbon era. 

“As a Norfolk based company, we’re delighted to be working locally with our project partner Goodchild Marine and, alongside our other incredible design and engineering partners operating nationwide, continuing to lead the way in sustainable and decarbonised offshore transport.”