British Waterways recently took delivery of a new 57ft narrowboat fitted with TELCO's Selectric diesel/electric system. Warde Aldham will operate as an engineer's inspection boat for the North East waterways, and as a test-bed for investigating alternative propulsion systems for inland vessels. The Selectric system retains the existing diesel engine, which drives through a conventional shaft and propeller, with the addition of an electric motor and battery pack to give silent propulsion for canal use.

BW are so pleased with the craft that they have ordered a second boat, this time for their Operations Division. On this vessel the batteries will also supply a 5kW inverter, delivering 240V power, which will be used to run the cooking equipment, plus computers and video systems.

The Environment Agency's Thames patrol boat Colne won the Electric Boat Association's coveted Emsworth Trophy for the longest cruise under electric power for 2001. The boat is fitted with TELCO's Selectric system, and drove on electric power only the full length of the Thames, from Inglesham at the head of navigation, down through the tideway in London, then up the River Lee to Waltham Abbey. Here it was a star attraction at the annual Inland Waterways Festival. The 150- mile journey took five days, re-charging overnight at the electric points installed by the EA at several Thames locks.

Lord Whitty, Minister for the Waterways, attended a presentation organised by the Electric Boat Association. He heard speeches by the EBA, the Environment Agency, British Waterways and the British Marine Federation, detailing the advances made in electric propulsion, and the vessels that it has been applied to. He then met various private and trade members of the EBA, who discussed their craft with him, and put forward his own suggestions as to how incentives could be provided to convert boats to electric power.

TELCO's Emrhys Barrell talks to Waterways Minister, Lord Whitty.

An Interboat 19, provided by The Thames Electric Launch Company, carried the opening party for the 2002 Crick Boat Show. TV presenter John Craven gave the opening address for this the third Inland Boat Show.

The Thames Electric Launch Company's Electric Boat Endurance record has been ratified by Guinness World Records. The Certificate recognises the 137 miles in 30 hours as an official world record.

Visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon this year had the opportunity to hire self-drive electric dayboats for use on the bard's river. Hire-boat operatorsGH Rose have developed a fleet of 12ft, six-seater boats using TELCO's Combi 700 Outboards. These are connected to a wheel-steering system, giving novice drivers complete control, while a bank of CMP traction batteries provide a full day's use. Stratford Council will now only issue licences to electric hire-boats on the river, to remove noise and pollution, and these boats complement Rose's existing 45ft passenger launches, which are now also electric powered.