A NEW fully electric boat has set sail on Loch Lomond as the National Park Authority aim to meet their net-zero targets. 

The boat, which emits zero direct emissions, is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK. 

The move comes after Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority announced their plans in March this year to commit to becoming a net-zero organisation by 2023. 

Glasgow Times:

Net-zero is a target an organisation aims to meet by reducing carbon emissions. 

The new fully electric vessel at Loch Lomond is three times more efficient than a traditional petrol or diesel boat.

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The distinctive hum of the old vessel will also be gone, with no noise pollution emitted from the electric boat.

Charlotte Wallace, climate action manager at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “Our Mission Zero routemap is bold and ambitious but that is exactly what is needed in the face of the climate crisis we are facing.

Glasgow Times:

“As a National Park Authority, we believe it is important that we demonstrate leadership on climate action and that starts with getting our own house in order. Emissions reduction is our top priority.

“A fully electric boat is a big step forwards and although the technology isn’t as advanced for electric boats as it is for cars, we can’t wait for things to be perfect before we take action, we need to be willing to trial new technology and learn as we go.

“The National Park covers 720 square miles, across four local authority areas, so how our staff and visitors travel around the Park is significant when it comes to reducing emissions.”