A Bermuda company expects to deliver in the near future a new class of waterway vessels powered entirely by sustainable energy — vessels envisaged as the next generation of commercial ferries.

Breakthrough technology and preliminary approvals from a number of shipping and municipal organisations had the company on deck just before the pandemic hit.

The Bermuda company, e-Link Commuting Co Ltd, with co-founders Alan Burland and Andrew Vaucrosson, are working with Aspin Kemp & Associates, an energy integration and electrical engineering company with headquarters in Montague, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Their goal is to make electric-powered water taxis and ferries a reality across the globe. They are collaborating to accelerate net-zero waterway transportation.

The development would put Bermuda on the map for a number of reasons, including another first in maritime expediency (the Bermuda sloop) and a highly developed environmental victory in green energy implementation.

AKA and e-Link, the local company said to be transforming human and package mobility on the water, are combining extensive sustainable energy expertise with deep understanding and experience in the transportation sector to design and build the new class of vessels.

A unique team of naval architects, electrical engineers, investment managers, experienced mariners and environmental activists from around the world incorporated e- Link in 2018 with base of operations established in Bermuda.

Mr Vaucrosson, president of e-Link, said: “We’ve had strong interest from operators in the UK, Boston and Toronto and elsewhere. This is not a hybrid but a fully electric vessel that can be quickly charged even on the water.”

The e-Link team will focus on the technical aspects of the boat design and shuttle build/assembly, while AKA’s team will design the vessel’s power system and drivetrain propulsion as well as the addition of hydrogen fuel-cell innovation to help to extend the battery life of the e-Link shuttle platform.

Bermuda’s Olympic sailor and business executive Mr Burland said that he and Mr Vaucrosson intended to deliver a product that cities around the world will find useful.

He said: “This environmental consciousness is a fundamental component to how we are designing the power system and propulsion systems for our eLC shuttle platform.”

He added: “We recognise there will be ongoing innovations in battery technology, shore power recharging and drivetrain technology requiring foresight and dedication, which is why our collaboration with AKA and other strategic partners will lead to our success.”

The AKA Group delivers innovative solutions to island and microgrid power systems. It designs, manufactures and supports power and propulsion assets for marine and land-based industries.