Electric-powered fishing vessel roadshow
27th January 2025
Hans Unkles, who fitted out his fully electric-powered Cygnus 21 Lorna Jane, which he operates out of the small West Highland port of Tayvallich, has received support from The Fishmonger’s Company that will allow him to share his experiences with working fishermen around the UK coastline.
Hans is able to operate the vessel powered entirely by the solar panels on the boat for much of the lobster season, reverting to charging with shore power when he switches to prawn creeling in the winter months.
As the first vessel of its kind in the UK, the project generated a huge amount of work for Hans when dealing with funders, suppliers and in particular the MCA, which had little previous experience with electric fishing boars and, in Hans’ words, ‘often didn’t quite know how to deal with queries I had’.
Hans has several dates and venues agreed, but is availableVto add presentations, and is more than happy to be contacted by fishermen or associations wanting him to visit their port.
“The Fishmongers’ Company is keen to support the future of the UK inshore fleet by presenting this concept to fishermen throughout the UK and beyond as a viable way to help support the fishing industry’s decarbonisation journey and promote seafood as the premium low-impact source of animal protein,” he said.
“To help do this, it is sponsoring me to travel to different fishing ports throughout the UK to discuss my hands-on experience of working this boat, covering both its successes and limitations. The evening is aimed solely at those at the sharp end of the fishing industry, not NGOs or the general public.
“It will see a short intro followed by an information film and a chance for discussion and questions, then the documentary about the making of the boat, covering funding and the MCA, and then finishing with a Q&A session – total time about two hours. The emphasis will be on the real-world practicalities and the capabilities of this boat.”
Gavin O’Donnell, charities communications manager at The Fishmongers’ Company, told FN: “The Fishmongers’ Company, through its Fisheries Charitable Trust, is committed to supporting a thriving, sustainable fishing industry.
“We are delighted to support Hans’ work in demonstrating the capabilities of electric vessels, dispelling misconceptions and building support within the industry. Seafood is a sustainable food for the future, and the decarbonisation of the fishing industry is vital in delivering, low-carbon protein for generations to come.
“We are excited to see the outcomes of Hans’ workshops and to build a community of fishermen interested in taking this vital next step.”
You can learn more about the boat and its technical capacity here.
Tour dates so far
Confirmed dates and ports for Hans’ tour are listed here. If you are interested in attending one of these events – or are in a port not listed here, but would like Hans to set up a presentation – please text/ WhatsApp him on: 07831181185 with your name and port.
- Scarborough – 27 January
- Eyemouth – 28 January
- Kyleakin – 31 January
- SW England – first half of February, to be confirmed
- Shetland – 24-25 February
- Orkney – 27-28 February
- Wick/Scrabster – 28 February or 1 March
