Saint-Cast Launches Aqua Marine Fast Charge Station, Leading Sustainable Boating in Brittany
Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, FRANCE – 15th July 2024 – The Brittany port of Saint-Cast has joined the Aqua superPower network with the launch of the Aqua 75 DC marine fast charge station. This new service meets the growing demand for fast, reliable, and safe charging, supporting the port's push towards sustainable maritime mobility and efforts in line with the Active Clean Port in Biodiversity certification.
Coinciding with the arrival of the prestigious Tour Voile sailing regatta, Saint-Cast inaugurated the Aqua marine fast charge station, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and accelerating the transition to zero emissions. Aqua superPower, the global leader in marine fast charging, installed the station at the port, managed by CCI Côtes d'Armor.
Strategically positioned on the Brittany coast and the English Channel, Saint-Cast is renowned for its top-notch facilities and dynamic nautical sector, driving the blue economy. As the host of the Tour Voile, Saint-Cast is at the forefront of marine sustainability, dedicated to revitalising and protecting the environment. Aqua SuperPower's marine fast charging in Saint-Cast is aimed at service boats, fishing boats, electric boat clubs, training boats in sailing clubs, and support boats for racing events.
The inauguration was attended by Virginie Raimbeaux, Director of the port and her team, officials from the Côtes d'Armor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (elected officials + CODIR) and Maryline Marilly, European Head of Business Development for Aqua superPower, as well as other VIPs and key players.
Virginie Raimbeaux, Director of the port, said: "We are proud to present the Aqua 75 fast charging station in Saint-Cast, an important step towards sustainable boating and environmental management. This facility not only strengthens our port's capabilities, but also aligns with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting clean energy solutions in marine operations."
Official quote, CCI Côtes d'Armor: “The integration of Aqua superPower's fast charging station marks an important milestone in our efforts to support environmentally friendly maritime practices. By facilitating the transition to electric boating, we are protecting our coastal ecosystem and promoting a sustainable future for our boating sector."
“We are thrilled to welcome Saint-Cast to the Aqua network, supporting their shift to marine electrification. With our fast-charge station, Saint-Cast is leading the way for a cleaner, more sustainable boating industry in Brittany. We know from experience that once safe and reliable charging infrastructure is in place, the electric boats will come. We are delighted to have collaborated with the various key stakeholders to have made such an efficient installation possible," said Maryline Marilly, European Head of Business Development for Aqua superPower France.
Jean-Philippe LAMARCADE, Regional Director of Enedis in Brittany added : “We very much want to be part of the decarbonisation of the maritime sector as we undertake already, day in and day out, for the ecological transition to the territories. It is essential to create the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to marine electrification. Ports and harbours demand charging, Aqua superPower as a marine fast charge network operator demands power, and we need to meet that demand. We are delighted to be working with Aqua on delivering critical marine fast charging.”
Robin Le Lay, Chef d’agence of SNEF said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Aqua superPower for this installation at Saint-Cast-le-Guildo. This partnership aligns perfectly with our Snef Act commitment to support the energy transition and environmental sustainability. By providing the necessary infrastructure for electric pleasure boats, we are contributing to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting eco-friendly leisure activities. Groupe Snef’s technical expertise enables us to deliver effective solutions to achieve decarbonization goals. Together, we are making strides towards the global goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Installed and serviced by Aqua SuperPower, the Aqua 75kW charge station features twin CCS2 connectors, allowing two electric boats to recharge in just 20-40 minutes. Accessible through the Aqua app, available on any device, the station offers a seamless user experience for electric boat owners.
Aqua superPower's chargers are brand agnostic, supporting both recreational and commercial vessels as they enter the market. Aqua works closely with boat brands (OEMs) and powertrain manufacturers to ensure they are delivering a no-apologies cleaner alternative to liquid carbon fuels.
To demonstrate how electric boats can be deployed effectively in ports and harbours, Vita Power, offered test rides of their 100% electric Seadog workboat at the new Aqua 75 marine fast charger presentation. RS Electric Boats and Valkama provided test rides at the inauguration. The Vita Seadog, the RS Pulse 63, and the Valkama Tender, all with DC fast charging, integrate seamlessly with Aqua superPower's network for a safe, reliable user experience. Showcasing French e-marine expertise, Naviwatt presented the ZenPro 580 equipped with DeepBlue propulsion.
As a key port on the Brittany coast offering Aqua's marine fast charging, Saint-Cast sets the standard for innovative, sustainable harbour management. This bold move and partnership with Aqua superPower lead the transition to clean electric boating on the Brittany coast.
