Plans are being made for Plymouth to host a boat show in the summer of 2021 highlighting the latest in eco-friendly technology.

Queen Anne’s Battery (QAB) is scheduled to host the Green Tech Boat Show, dubbed the first of its kind in the UK, between June 19 and 20.

The event, designed to showcase the marine industry’s green technologies and innovative products, is one of four planned for the UK by MDL Marinas, the nation’s leading water-based leisure firm, which owns QAB, Brixham and Torquay marinas, and 16 others in Britain and Spain.

QAB was due to stage the inaugural West Country Boat Show in June 2020, but it was called off two months beforehand when the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Now, as the third lockdown is easing, there are hopes another show can take place in Plymouth and dealers from across the country are being invited to the event to offer expert knowledge on products, as well as guidance throughout the process of buying a new boat, whether it’s a first, second or third purchase.

Top marine technology firm Fischer Panda UK has now revealed it will exhibit its range of eco-friendly products and customised electric drive gear at the Plymouth event.

MDL said Fischer Panda UK is just one of the Green Tech Boat Show’s “exciting line-up” of sustainable boating brands and marine businesses that will be presenting products to boat owners wishing to make the switch to greener options.

With 70 landside stands and 30 on-water berths available, MDL said the Plymouth show is designed to allow the marine industry to demonstrate how it’s contributing to combatting climate change, while still enabling people to enjoy time out on the water and the proven benefits that brings.

“We’re delighted to have Fischer Panda UK onboard at our new Green Tech Boat Show,” said Tim Mayer, MDL’s sales and marketing director.

“We want to bring together the marine community’s innovators and change-makers, who are working towards a greener future for boating, and Fisher Panda UK is a perfect example with its battery, parallel hybrid and generator supported electric propulsion solutions.”

He added: “This show is specifically for boat owners wishing to make the switch to greener options, and prospective owners who’d like to start their boating journey in the most environmentally friendly way possible.”

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MDL said it is demonstrating its confidence in the power of regional marine shows by announcing four boat shows for 2021. The South Coast Boat Show, from May 7 to 9, and Ocean Village Boat Show, September 10 to 19 will both be held in Southampton at MDL’s flagship Ocean Village Marina.

Following the success of the first Thames Valley Boat Show in 2019, the 2021 show will be returning to MDL’s Penton Hook Marina in Surrey from July 9 to 11.

At all four shows, boat viewings will be by pre-booked appointments only. For land-based exhibits, tickets will be available in advance.

MDL is working closely with the relevant local authorities to ensure that the events will be Covid-secure and in line with the appropriate Government guidelines.

Mr Mayer said: “The enthusiasm and feedback from past regional boat shows, and the positive response to the planned events, indicates an appetite from both exhibitors and visitors for smaller, more buyer focused events.

“With the locations and facilities of our marinas, we’re ideally situated to offer these shows to the marine industry and the boating public.”