The port of Saint-Cast in Brittany, France, is the latest addition to the Aqua superPower network of high speed marine charging stations, ready to meet the demand of the area’s growing fleet of electric boats.
Saint-Cast le Gildo is the home of the finish line of the Tour Voile sailing race that starts in Dunkirk and covers the coast of France. The inauguration of the Aqua 75 DC station coincided with the arrival of the competitors on the final leg of the race.
The port is renowned for its top-notch facilities and a dynamic nautical sector that is driving the area’s ‘blue economy.’ World Bank describes the blue economy as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”
The Aqua charger has begun servicing electric boats of all varieties in the area, including fishing boats, workboats, electric boat clubs, training boats in sailing clubs, and support boats for racing events in the Port.
The chargers are brand agnostic, and Aqua works closely with boat brands (OEMs) and powertrain manufacturers. Boats from a variety of manufacturers were on hand at the opening of the charger, showing off the ease of use and providing quiet electric test rides for attendees. Those boats included:
Vita Power’s Seadog, which was first in the Open Sea Manoeuvrability trials of the recent Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
Valkama Picnic Cruiser, which also participated in the MEBC
RS Pulse 63 from RS Electric Boats and
Naviwatt’s ZenPro 580
The Vita boat is powered by the company’s own proprietary motor/battery system, the Valkama and RS Pulse 63 both use the RAD Propulsion electric outboard with 180º rotating lower leg, while the Naviwatt sports a Torqeedo DeepBlue system.
As with all chargers in the network, Aqua SuperPower provides the installation and servicing, working in conjunction with French utility Enedis, integrator Groupe Snef, and the local Côtes d’Armor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).
The Aqua 75kW features twin CCS2 connectors (the standard for EVs) that allows two electric boats to recharge in just 20-40 minutes. Charging (of both electricity and payment) is managed through the Aqua smartphone app, available on any platform.
Virginie Raimbeaux, Director of the port, said: “We are proud to present the Aqua 75 fast charging station in Saint-Cast as 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.”
The new Saint-Cast charger joins an Aqua charger already in service about 60 km (XX mi) along the coast in Saint Quay Port d’Armor. This building of corridors of high speed chargers is an important part of developing the infrastructure that gives boat owners confidence in electric propulsion.
“We are thrilled to welcome Saint-Cast to the Aqua network,”said Maryline Marilly, European Head of Business Development for Aqua superPower France. “We know from experience that once safe and reliable charging infrastructure is in place, the growth of electric boats in the region accelerates. We are delighted to have collaborated with the various key stakeholders to have made such an efficient installation possible.”
