Archipelago Yachts wins UK grant for methanol technology

UK-based boatbuilder Archipelago Yachts has received government funding to advance methanol-based technology aimed at extending the range of electric vessels.

IMAGE: Archipelago Yachts

The Methanol Pathfinder UK project will focus on converting methanol into hydrogen to generate onboard power, enabling longer operation for electric ships. The initiative aims to develop a scalable and commercially viable technology that could eventually replace conventional combustion engines using traditional bunker fuels.

Alongside Archipelago Yachts, the project brings together a consortium of UK firms—Chartwell Marine, Blue Deep International, E1 Marine and Auriga Energy.

Together, they will design, prototype and test a modular methanol-to-hydrogen range-extension system that can be seamlessly integrated with electric propulsion platforms.

“By focusing on range extension for electric vessels, we’re accelerating technology that can be adopted broadly across both commercial and leisure markets,” said Dr. Stephen Weatherley, chief executive of Archipelago Yachts.

The funding has been granted through the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (Round 6), delivered by Innovate UK under the UK SHORE programme, which supports maritime innovation to help achieve net-zero emissions.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online