The initiative, led by Christchurch-based Lyte Drive Ltd, aims to create low-emission propulsion systems for coastal and harbour environments.

The project is a collaboration between Lyte Drive Ltd, Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), Aquagem Marine Innovation Ltd and Plymouth University.

It has received funding from the Innovate UK Marine and Maritime Launchpad programme.

READ MORE: BU supports development of decarbonisation plan for the Port of Poole

Harry Gregory, PHC’s harbour master, said: "We are pleased to be working with Lyte Drive and Aquagem on this exciting clean propulsion project.

"As a trust port, we are committed to supporting innovations that reduce emissions and improve environmental performance across our operations.

"This technology has real potential to support cleaner vessel movements in Poole and beyond."

This initiative supports the Decarbonisation Plan for the Port of Poole Maritime Industrial Cluster.

The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050 across the Port of Poole estate.

Projects like this play a key role in exploring and enabling the technological solutions needed to meet these goals.

The project will also carry out a feasibility study on converting the existing fleet of PHC vessels to electric propulsion.