Lerwick Port Authority recently awarded the innovative pureSHETLAND Eco Car project sponsorship of £3,000 towards its attempt in this years Shell Eco Marathon.
The event, held in Nogaro, France on the 22nd of May is a fuel economy drive whereby participating teams enter specially constructed vehicles, designed to achieve highest possible mileage from least fuel consumption.
The sponsorship was confirmed by the Authority after their representatives had received a presentation on the project. Allan Wishart of Lerwick Port Authority said “We were very impressed by the enthusiastic approach from a local team developing such an innovative vehicle design and taking it to a world stage. Board members are delighted to be associated with this exciting project. The use of renewable hydrogen is unique to this entry and we wish them every success in the Eco Marathon”.
Teaming up with fabrication experts, Shetland Composites, pureSHETLAND is in the process of recruiting a driver for the Eco Marathon from the Anderson High School. In doing so, awareness of the importance of renewable energies is being raised among the next generation who will see such technologies mature and become mainstream.
This is not the first time the Port Authority have backed technological breakthroughs, having been involved in showcasing the PURE Project’s original hydrogen fuelled vehicle in the Holmsgarth ferry terminal. This earlier vehicle, which looked like a small passenger car, is in Unst. The vehicle being entered in the Eco Marathon is a special lightweight design and aims to achieve the highest fuel efficiency possible.
This recent sponsorship has come as another great boost to pureSHETLAND following Shetland Development Trust’s backing of £25,000 towards the project.
Speaking on Lerwick Port Authority’s involvement, pureSHETLAND representative, Robin Duncan stated: “This just shows how forward thinking the Port Authority is in backing what is a great development in renewable energies, while also showing their commitment to entirely Shetland-based initiatives”
PureSHETLAND Project Manager, David Sutherland stated: “Lerwick Port Authority have given us another great sponsorship boost. This will directly contribute to the main focus of pureSHETLAND; providing education to the next generation”.