Ongoing campaign work by EV drivers to get chargers onboard Scotland’s ferries has seen a major hurdle now overcome – potentially providing a major boost to islanders and visitors to Orkney and Shetland.

Neil Kermode, chair of the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum and a director of the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, said the guidance was heartily welcomed

Previously, a lack of guidance from the Maritime Coastguard Agency prevented ferry operators installing charge points. But after four years of campaigning, information is available – and could, according to the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, be a “major boost for tourism” as increasing numbers of visitors to the islands are driving EVs.

“We have been campaigning for over four years to get chargers installed in ferries in the Northern Isles,” explained Neil Kermode, chair of the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum and a director of the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland.

Installing slow speed chargers on the ships that ply longer routes would allow EVs to top up their batteries to ensure they can reach their destinations after disembarking. It’s also a vital move as not all ports have charge points near ferry terminals.

Kermode added: “The main reason we pushed for this opportunity was because northbound ferries from Aberdeen arrive in Orkney at 11 at night.

“We were keen that tired drivers would be able to have enough charge in their cars to drive to their homes or hotels without needing to try and find a charge point at midnight.”

It’s hoped that ferry operators on other routes will also consider installing chargers.

An EVA Scotland spokesman explained: “Even for short crossings, say between Ardrossan in Ayrshire and Brodick on the island of Arran, cars would be able to receive a top-up charge sufficient enough charge to make the process worthwhile. For long crossings, a gentle ‘home charge’ rate will give the vital miles to get to the driver’s accommodation.”

A spokesperson for Serco NorthLink Ferries said: “Following recent guidance from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, we are assessing the risks associated with the fitment and use of EV charging onboard to inform decision-making.”

Booking of onboard charging services are expected to be required and it is anticipated that there will be a fee.

“This is not a way of getting cheap electricity, it is more of a service to the EV drivers arriving at their destinations, sometimes late at night,” added Neil Kermode.

“This important step by the MCA will help Scottish islands be just that little bit more ready for the EV revolution already underway.”