In 2023, the Council and the Canal & River Trust were awarded £193,000 from the Government’s annual Air Quality Grant, to install ‘eco-moorings’ at the Aristotle Lane visitor moorings.   

The project has seen the installation of three ‘eco-mooring’ bollards – the first installed outside of London - aiming to provide visiting boaters with electrical power infrastructure as an alternative to diesel engines, generators and wood burners for their daily heat and energy needs.  

In Oxford, it is estimated that there are around 140 boaters living on the rivers and canals, with around 70% of them being visiting boaters. However, there are limited locations across the county where electrical power is available for boaters – especially for short-stay moorings.  

Without access to electricity, boaters are often forced to run diesel engines to charge up their batteries and/or use wood burning stoves to heat their houseboats, both of which release smoke emissions which have been proven to be harmful to human health. Those most at risk from pollution from boats, are boaters themselves, who are often exposed for longer periods of time and at a closer range.      

Wood burners emit particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, which is a type of air pollution. These are very tiny particles, that can have a serious impact on human health.  A wide range of scientific studies have been published in recent years showing the negative impacts to human health of long-term exposure to air pollution. 

The new eco-moorings aim to provide a cleaner alternative for boaters to use instead of polluting fuels.  

About the eco-moorings  

The eco-moorings consist of three electric pillars, each containing two sockets, which enable up to six visiting boaters to plug into and connect to the grid for energy.

The sockets have range of capacity, with five 16-amp sockets and one 32-amp socket which can support the charging of electric propulsion boats (e-boats). All sockets also have the capability to become 32-amp in the future, based on demand.  

The Oxford eco-moorings project builds upon other successful projects in Islington and Camden. Learnings from the project will help inform future management of Oxfords’ canal – subject to funding.    

The Council and Canal & River Trust will also be working to deliver health, air quality and energy advice to boaters through the project. This will include ways and opportunities to transition to cleaner energy systems, as well as information on how to use their current heating in the most efficient way. 

More details on the project can be found on the Council’s eco-moorings webpage.   

“It is fantastic that Oxford’s first eco-moorings are now here and ready to use. Many boaters have no other choice but to use wood-burning and diesel generators to keep warm, but this can be harmful to their health and that of their neighbours. These eco-moorings will provide boaters with the ability to use cleaner forms of heating.” 

Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council

"While boats are a very minor contributor to overall air pollution when compared to road traffic and other sources of emissions, we recognise that they can have a localised impact on air quality; indeed, those most at risk from boat engine fumes are boaters themselves.   

“These first eco moorings outside London are the start of a journey for boaters on the Oxford Canal towards reducing emissions. I am delighted that our charity has been able to work in partnership with Oxford City Council to deliver them in time for the busy summer season.” 

Ros Daniels, Director for London & South East, Canal & River Trust