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  1. ExploMar high performance electric outboards making international waves: Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America…

    2d ago

    ExploMar high performance electric outboards making international waves: Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America…

    With partners and affiliates in over 20 countries already, ExploMar is expanding an impressive international network of dealers, distributors and other partners ready to capitalize on the growing interest around the world in electric water transportation. Working with these partners has also demonstrated that electric outboards can do everything expected of a motor – and then some – with technology that is quieter, cleaner and more economical in the long run. Cruising yachts in Poland, ferries in Nigeria, sport RIBs in Germany, fishing boats in Indonesia –  here’s a short (and incomplete) rundown of the latest vessels equipped with their systems, showing a glimpse of the range of locations and use cases. Listen to this article as a podcast Poland – spacious charter yachts for inland waters In Poland, LAMDO Houseboats charters 10 metre (33 ft) yachts for luxury cruising in the country’s Masurian Lake District, which contains more than 2,000 lakes and was chosen as one of the 28 finalists of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Their LY30+ Open and LY30+ Fly Trawler models are spacious ‘apartments on the water’ designed by Tony Castro, first released in their fossil fuel version 2023. They have been designed as a C Category vessel in the European classification: yachts intended for coastal cruising and inland waters, able to handle moderately strong winds of up to 27 knots (force 6) and waves reaching two meters (7ft) in height. LAMDO has now built two LY30s outfitted with the ExploMar WAVE 70+ electric outboard system and a third with the larger WAVE 300 system. The companies worked closely together, taking advantage of ExploMar’s experience with other boat builders as a one-stop service covering design, installation, and on-water commissioning. The WAVE 70+ motor has 40 kW continuous power, 80 kW peak (≈ 55 / 108 hp) and an estimated energy consumption of about 1 kiloWatt hour per kilometre (kWh/km) – meaning it has a range of about 60 kilometres with the accompanying 60 kWh capacity ExploMar lithium ion (NMC) battery. The WAVE 300 has continuous power of 150 kW, 225 peak (≈ 205 / 305 hp) and an estimated energy consumption of about 2.5 kWh/km. Systems matched to boating experiences  The LAMBO houseboats are chartered to people with all kinds of differences in how they want to use the boat, and the two ExploMar system provide them with all the options. A beam of 3.5m (11.5 ft) allows plenty of space for friends and family vacations, whether they are covering a long or short distance. With two cabins and four berths as well as room in the salon for two more to sleep, the LY30s can accommodate a total of six overnight passengers – ten during the day. The salon/galley has a folding table and bar with fully equipped kitchen and an open space can be created between cockpit and the salon area for an airy feel. A bathing platform makes swimming and enjoying the water a breeze. The quiet, no fumes ExploMar electric motors and battery system are the ideal companion for any kind of cruising in the Masurian District or any of the other destinations offered by Lamdo. Expect not only Lamdo, but many other builders in the area to start seeing demand for electric as word gets around about the benefits from people enjoying their ‘electric experience’. Nigeria – electric ferries and solar charging Last year Lagos, Nigeria became one of the host cities of the E1 Electric Speedboat Championships, a high profile declaration to the world that the country is serious about a future of safer mobility, climate resilience, and long-term cost efficiency. Read about the 2025 E1 Series race in Lagos Nigeria The city has seen its population swell to over 100 million people in the past few decades and the metropolis is just one of many cities in Africa where commuters are looking for alternatives to chronically congested roads and the pollution, airborne particles and health impacts that go along with them. A 30 km (18 mi.) lagoon winds through Lagos and connects it to the Port of Guinea. ExploMar is part of a team that is executing on a plan for the city that includes up to 70 electric and hybrid ferries and 25 terminals to provide waterbound transport with zero emissions and quieter, more peaceful journeys for all. At the recent CIBS (China International Boat Show), ExploMar signed an agreement with project backer Caverton Offshore Support Group for 20 electric propulsion systems and accompanying 5S energy station chargers. ExploMar and Caverton have spent the past two years developing and testing the system together, with a prototype ferry already operating in Lagos and transporting passengers in a pilot programme. The journey from Ikorodu to Lagos Island, which takes as much as two hours by car or motorcycle, takes about a quarter of that time by electric ferry. The 28-seat, 12-meter (40 ft) vessel – named OMIBUS – brings together a Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) hull and twin ExploMar WAVE 300 electric outboards (see specs above). On a fully loaded cruising range they deliver up to 3 hours at 10–15 knots – the main use case for a passenger ferry – and a maximum speed of 32 knots. Chargers equipped with 300kW solar system The 5S Energy Station is equipped with a 300kW solar system that can generate up to 1500 kWh of electricity in a day. It can fully recharge the ExploMar twin 125 kWh High Energy Density Batteries (HEDB) in one hour and support up to six hours of daily operation. Olabode Makanjuola, CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, describes the collaboration as a defining moment for regional transportation. “The future of Nigeria’s waterways is electric,” says Makanjuola. “Cities like Lagos are defined by water, yet millions of residents remain trapped in road congestion while vast waterway networks lie underutilized. Conventional petrol and diesel-powered ferries are costly to operate and increasingly difficult to justify in dense urban environments.” “This partnership sets out to validate an entirely new operating model under real-world conditions. Along with that, ExploMar’s manufacturing scale and systems integration is central to delivering solutions for Lagos and other emerging markets.” Thailand, Germany, Hungary France, Caribbean – new ExploMar Electric Boating Experience outlets As ExploMar has expanded its partnerships and touch points with both boat builders and consumers they’ve learned that getting each to consider an electric outboard requires an understanding that the propulsion is fundamentally different than combustion motors in a lot of ways and requires rethinking some assumptions. Many in the e-boating industry talk of the ‘electric experience’, where people are amazed by how quiet and hard performing electric outboards can be. ExploMar is putting that effect into action with new industry and retail outlets that go beyond what people have come to expect. The philosophy is reflected in the name of their new concept: the ExploMar Electric Boating Experience. The ‘Experience’ idea was first explored in Kuncheng Lake in Changshu, China, where systems are tested and demonstrated in real life operating conditions. More than just another sea trial opportunity, the EEBE gives boaters and builders insights and first hand appreciation of what makes electric propulsion truly different from using exploding fossil fuels to make a vessel go through the water. The first Experience centre outside Changshu is in Bangkok and was developed with local dealer Thai Maritec. It encourages and allows customers to explore ExploMar’s high-performance electric outboards up close. They can ask questions, get answers and get out on the water for real-world usage and detailed follow-up on the practical side of electric boating, including charging and energy management. The questions are an essential part of the Experience. In many standard dealers and marinas, boaters are sometimes reluctant to ask things that they feel might reveal their lack of knowledge about how electric motors and battery systems work. Here, every question is respected and seen as an opportunity to spread the word about e-boating. The idea is to to help customers better understand how the technology could work within their own boating operations. Moving electric boats from being ‘understood’ to being ‘chosen’ “We are building a global user perception network where electric boats are no longer just a trend, but are truly experienced, utilized and validated across different markets and real-world scenarios,” says ExploMar’s CEO Alex Dong. “As global water mobility transitions toward low-carbon and intelligent solutions, this approach provides a clearer pathway for electric boats to move from being ‘understood’ to being ‘chosen’.” As the first ExploMar Electric Boating Experience partner location, the Thai Maritec collaboration is an important learning experience for ExploMar itself to fine tune, enhance and roll out the concept for other markets. In Germany, ExploMar recently announced the appointment of Yacht & Technik as distributor for the country. An Electric Boating Experience outlet is under development for Chiemsee Lake with the first element already in place: a ZAR Formenti 6.5 metre (21 ft) RIB with ExploMar Wave 150+ electric outboard available for test rides. Summer Wind Kft has been appointed exclusive ExploMar distributor for Hungary and their team is actively working with ExploMar on the EEBE that will be an important focal point for a country whose inland waterways, including Lake Balaton, are widely recognized for their strict environmental standards and forward-looking approach to sustainable boating. New ExploMar partner SAS Opensea, part of Vanguard Yachts Group, will be distributor in France and Monaco as well as many Caribbean nations in the Francophony such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Barthélemy, and Saint Mart

    13 min
  2. Will Smith, Tom Brady, LeBron James teams now 1-2-3 in E1 electric speedboat racing

    5d ago

    Will Smith, Tom Brady, LeBron James teams now 1-2-3 in E1 electric speedboat racing

    With a win by Angola Westbrook Racing (owned by actor Will Smith) in Dubrovnik this past weekend, his team now leads the race for the E1 season championship as the sport continues to grow in popularity. Tom Brady’s Team Brady – champion of the first two season – is in second spot followed by Team AlUla Championed by NBA star LeBron James. This is the second year that Croatia’s historic and romantic city has hosted the E1, and the third race of the 2026 series. The Adriatic Luxury Hotels E1 Dubrovnik GP 2026 takes place in the turquoise waters off Old Town, with its medieval walls, copper-green domes and terracotta roofs providing a stunning backdrop to the 21st century electric technology. Listen to this article as a podcast The E1 format has ten teams competing, each owned by well known personalities like Smith, Brady, James, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, multi-Grammy winner Marc Anthony, and others. Each team has a female and male pilot who race in one-design hydrofoiling electric boats – Racebirds – that can hit speeds of 90 kmph (50 knots / 55 mph). Second year for Dubrovnik event The season consists of eight race weekends. Previous to Dubrovnik were Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Lake Como, Italy. Monaco is next up on the calendar (17-18 July), followed by Luada, Angola (12-13 Sep), Lagos, Nigeria (3-4 Oct), Miami, USA (13-14 Nov), and winding up with the crowning of the ‘Champions of the Water” in the Bahamas (Nov 21-22).  Each race weekend has a day of qualifying, then a multi-race day: ‘playoffs’, the finals and consolation ‘place race’. The gender of the pilot of each team alternates throughout each weekend’s races, but there is no ‘women’s race’ and ‘men’s race’, all races have a mix. Before we get to the Dubrovnik event, you can click on one of the two sections below to get an Overview of the Series and/or an explanation of the Rules and Strategies. Overview of the E1 Series, Team Owners, Pilots and the Racebird boat (Click to + expand or – close E1 Series Background) Launched in Jeddah in January 2024, the E1 Series features ten teams racing the one design ‘RaceBird’ all-electric hydrofoiling speedboats at events held in top international ports and waterways. Each team is owned by a noted figure in the worlds of sport, entertainment and business and is led by a female and male pilot who compete in mixed genre races throughout the season. There are no ‘men’s races’ and ‘women’s races’, they are all on equal footing. The goal of the series, aside from deciding ‘The Champions of the Water’, is to publicize and promote cutting-edge clean technologies while helping to protect and restore our planet’s coastal waters and ecosystems. The series was founded by Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso and is loosely patterned after the on-land Formula 1 and Formula E car events, where the emphasis is on the driver’s capabilities rather than throwing money at technology. In fact, Agag is a founder of the Formula E electric car racing series and Basso worked with Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and McLaren Applied Technologies. The Racebird itself is designed by Sophie Horne of Seabird Technologies. The Sophie Horne. The 7 meter (23 ft) boat has hydrofoiling wings that lift the hull out of the water enabling speeds of up to 90 kmph (50 knots / 55 mph) using a 150 kW (200 brake horsepower) electric outboard system by Mercury Racing and Kreisel batteries. The ten teams and are their owners are: Team Brady: former NFL quarterback Tom Brady Team Rafa: tennis legend Rafael Nadal 
Team Miami: multi-Grammy winner Marc Anthony Team Aoki: DJ / Producer Steve Aoki Team AlUlA: championed by basketball’s Lebron James Team Drogba: Ivory Coast footballer Didier Drogba 
Team Blue Rising: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli Team Sierra: Sierra Enterprises with ambassadors Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid soccer) and Kyle Kuzma (NBA basketball) Team Monaco: Monaco The pilots of the boats come from a wide variety of disciplines. Many, like Sam Coleman and Emma Kimmaläinen of Team Brady, came from powerboating and motorsport racing, but Maxime Nocher of Team Monaco was a kite surfing champion; Team Drogma’s Tara Pacheco was in sailboat racing; Cris Lazarraga of Team Rafa was a jetski racer and Lucas Ordóñez of Westwood first entered real life professional racing by winning a spot in a PlayStation 3 Gran Turismo competition. (»» go back to top to close) Electric Speedboat Series Rules and Strategies (Click to + expand or – close the rules) E1 SERIES: RULES Championship: Ten teams race over 9 weekends, with points awarded for finishing place, along with some bonus points for specific achievements. The Champions of the Water are the team that accumulates most points by the end of the season. Events: Each event is held over two days, usually a Friday and Saturday. Qualifying time trials and races are held on Day One. Day Two has Group Races which decide two of the finalists, the Race Off to determine the other four finalists, the Place Race, and two Finals races – so both the female and male co-pilots of each team help determine the outcome. The Finals and Place Race dictate the Championship Points awarded for each weekend. Points Awarded: Points are awarded for each placing every weekend with the Champion having the most points at the end of the season. 1st: 38  |  2nd: 30 |  3rd: 23 |  4th: 19 |  5th: 15 |  6th: 13 |  7th: 9 |  8th:  8 |  9th: 5 |  10th: 3. Points are also awarded for the three fastest Qualifiers: Fastest: 3  |  2nd: 2 |  3rd: 1. One bonus point is awarded for the fastest lap of the weekend. Photo ©Shiv Gohil Qualifying: There are four Qualifying Stages with teams knocked out to establish the pole positions for Saturday’s races. Qualifying Stage 1: Time Trials in which all 10 teams participate, the results ranked by average of both pilots’ best laps. Bottom 2 teams eliminated. Qualifying Stage 2: Remaining 8 teams in two sessions (groups of 4). Individual timed runs in reverse order, 2 non-consecutive attempts per team. Bottom 2 teams eliminated. Qualifying Stage 3: Remaining 6 teams in two sessions (groups of 3). Same format as Q1. Bottom 2 eliminated. Qualifying Stage 4: Pole Shootout to determines initial Pole Positions on Race Day. Final 4 teams, single 20-minute session. Each completes 2 timed laps in inverted order. Points are awarded toward the Championship total: 3-2-1. Saturday Racing Group Stages: teams divided based on Qualifying results: Group A: 1st, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th Group B: 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th The top team from each group advances directly to the Finals. The bottom team from each goes to the Place Race. The teams finishing 2-3-4 in each go to the Race Off. Race Off: Six team single race (only one pilot from each team) with the top four finishers going to the Finals and the bottom two going to the Place Race. Place Race: Two races, one with each team’s pilot, best averaged time. Determines places 7-10 and Championship points. Finals: Two races, one with each team’s pilot, best averaged time. Determines places 1-6 and Championship points. SOME GENERAL RULES: Pilots In every stage except the Group Races and the Race Off both the female and male pilot participate in separate races to determine the winning team of each stage, alternating races throughout the weekend. In the Finals, the finishing order for the first race determines pole position for the second. Laps There is not just one lap length, but three: Short, ‘Normal’ and Long. The distances are tailored to the waters and layout of each location, but are somewhere between 900 m ( ≈ .5 Nm /  .6 mi) and 1700 m ( to ≈ .91 Nm / 1.0 mi). The Qualifying Stages are timed on one Normal lap. The Saturday Races are six laps – one of which must be a Long Lap and one of which must be a Short Lap. Penalties are usually an extra long lap within the six laps, which could add anywhere from 20 to 35 seconds to the overall race time.  Boosts Then there are the boosts. Pilots are allowed to draw extra energy out of the battery – for bursts of speed up to 20 seconds. The catch is that the time it takes to prepare for another boost is twice as long as the boost itself. So, if a pilot takes a boost for 10 seconds they will have to wait for 20 seconds before they can take another. Between the lap lengths and the boosts, there is a LOT of strategy involved, and the pilots are in constant contact with ‘Mission Control’ back at the dock. General Strategy Aside from the boosting and lap strategies, the overriding goal is to find clean water. The RaceBirds travel fastest when they are flying above the water on their foils. The boats need to be balanced both across the beam and along the length for optimum performance and waves – either natural or from the other boats – makes it tougher to stay on foil. That not only slows the pilot down but also requires extra power to get back up out of the water and onto the foils. END OF RULES (»» go back to top to close) Coming into Dubrovnik, Smith’s Westbrook Angola Team had only won in one locale: Italy’s Lake Como – the only freshwater event on the circuit. The most recent victory was a month ago and the first was two years before that. Pilots Lucas Ordóñez and Sara Price were sitting on top of the standings for the first time coming into Dubrovnik, but it was a slim lead. Just three points separated them from Emma Kimiläinen and Sam Coleman of Team Brady, another three from the team owned by DJ/Producer Steve Aoki (Dani Clos and Sara Misir), and seventeen from James’ AlUla team of Nerea Martí and Rusty Wyatt. Expectations were high for a thrilling weekend. The waters off Dubrovnik’s Old Town may be beautiful but they are deceptively challenging for the Racebirds, which travel fastest when their hydrofoiling wings are evenly balanced at the same h

    9 min
  3. India’s leading solar electric ferry builder delivers first boat to North America

    Jun 10

    India’s leading solar electric ferry builder delivers first boat to North America

    Navalt, one of the planet’s solar boat pioneers, has made a big leap in its mission to ‘electrify the oceans’ with one of its Limo luxury tour boats being shipped 12.703 kilometres (7,893 mi) from Kerala, India to Halifax, Canada, where it will join Halifax Harbour Tours Listen to this article as a podcast Navalt was founded in 2009 by naval architect Sandith Thandassery, who has dedicated his career to revolutionizing water transport through clean energy. The first boat built by the company – Sunrider – made the Limca Book of Records – the reference book documenting world records held by Indians – for the fastest solar boat ever built. Solar electric ferry won first Gustave Trouvé Awards In 2017 he led the design and building of Aditya, India’s first solar electric ferry, which carries about a half million passengers per year – over 4 million since its launch –  saving about 225,000 litres of diesel fuel and over 500,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions (about 1.25M pounds). The Aditya was a winner of the first Gustave Trouvé Electric Boat Awards in 2020 and Navalt repeated its win in the 2024 Awards for the Srav solar-electric workboat. Read more about the Aditya solar electric ferry The company is India’s leading building of solar electric ferries and has now built over 80 boats that are serving passengers in places like popular Sukhna Lake at the foothills of the Himalayas. In all, the company offers 18 models – workboats, leisure boats, defence boats, water taxis and ferries – none of which has or will ever burn a single drop of fossil fuel. At about the same time the Aditya was launched, Colin Smith was on the other side of the world starting Halifax Harbour Tours with a former British Thames River tow barge with quite a history. Bought by a tour operator in Puerto Rico who had a 40 hp diesel motor installed, it later took visitors around the Florida Everglades before the famous Airboats took over that business, was retired after doing  duty as a Lake Erie tourist boat and was found by Smith in a barn nearby. London Thames barge to Canadian e-tour boat He had been the captain of a diesel tour boat in Halifax harbour and longed for something without the fumes and noise — friendlier to the environment, himself and the passengers. He knew the ultra-efficient hull of the barge would be perfect for electric propulsion, so he switched out the diesel for an 8kW Lynch axial flux motor with 7kWh battery, added a solar roof and restored the rest of the boat – the Violet Mac – to its original Thames glory and beyond. Halifax Harbour Tours was born in 2018 and has been going strong ever since. “When we first started, our ‘fuel costs’ were about 60¢ a day.” he told me. “They’re not an awful lot more now, but the thing isn’t the cost for me, it’s the passenger experience. It’s quiet, there’s only 8 people on board, and the Guides are told to let people know about all of the historic sites in the harbour, but not get in the way of the passengers having a chance to talk among themselves and get to know each other. We often get reviews with people saying it’s the best experience they had on their visit to Canada.” There was only one thing that could be improved: the notoriously fickle and wildly variable Halifax weather. Smith couldn’t do anything about that, but he could do something about a boat that would be able to operate year round and also provide some shelter for those who don’t like a little ‘liquid sunshine’ on their tours. Enter Navalt. Smith saw Navalt and some of its boats on Plugboats and decided to get in touch with Thandasherry about getting one of the totally covered solar electric ferries. They decided on the Limo. We’ll let Sandith take it from here. This is from his personal blog: Navalt Crosses the Atlantic: Our First Boat Lands in North America There are projects that move a business forward, and then there are projects that redraw the map. For us, shipping a Limo to Halifax, Canada is firmly the second kind. It is our first vessel headed to North America — and it travelled there in a way no Navalt boat has before: as a knock-down kit, packed flat into five containers, ready to be reborn on Canadian shoreline. Why we shipped a boat in pieces A 10-metre catamaran does not slide neatly into a shipping container. So instead of moving the boat, we moved the boat’s anatomy. This was also our attempt to work closely with our boatbuilding parter while lowering the logistics cost of the project. The Limo was carefully designed for disassembly and split into modules sized to fit standard FEU containers (Forty Foot Equivalent Units): Two hulls, separated and cradled for transit The deck, broken down into sections The superstructure, divided into three pieces to clear the FEU envelope A dedicated outfitting container carrying the battery system and the remaining fit-out items Five containers in total. This knock-down approach is what makes long-haul export of a premium vessel both economical and practical — and it is a capability we are proud to have proven on our very first North American shipment. Built for the Canadian cold Halifax is not Kerala. A boat that performs beautifully in tropical backwaters has to be re-engineered to survive — and thrive — through an Atlantic Canadian winter. The heart of that adaptation is the energy system. This Limo carries a 2 × 20 kWh marine-grade LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack, but with a crucial difference: each pack is fitted with an integrated heating system designed specifically to manage the cold conditions of Halifax. Lithium batteries lose performance and charging ability in low temperatures, so keeping the cells in their optimal thermal window through a harsh winter isn’t a luxury — it’s what allows the boat to run reliably, season after season. Driving the vessel are two 15 kW (≈ inboard electric motors, configured with Navalt’s signature independent dual battery-and-motor architecture. That redundancy means a single fault never leaves you stranded on the water — a reassurance that matters as much in a Canadian harbour as it does anywhere. A premium boat, by design The Limo has always been our answer to a simple question: what if luxury on the water didn’t have to mean noise, fumes, and fuel bills? It is a premium solar-electric leisure boat built for private cruising — couch-style seating, generous interior space for gatherings, and the kind of silent, vibration-free ride that only electric propulsion can deliver. At 10 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, this Halifax boat keeps all of that character while being purpose-built for its new home waters. Clean lines, a stable catamaran hull, and refined interiors — the Limo’s identity travels intact, even when the boat itself travels in pieces. Integration is underway Right now, on the ground in Halifax, under the guidance of Colin Smith and his team, those five containers are becoming a boat again. The hulls are being joined, the deck and superstructure reassembled, and the battery and outfitting items integrated into the vessel. It is painstaking, precise work — and watching a kit transform back into a sleek, water-ready cruiser is genuinely one of the most satisfying things to witness in our line of work. A landmark for Navalt This is more than a delivery. It is the first time a Navalt boat has reached North America, the first time we have exported a premium vessel as a fully engineered knock-down kit, and the first time we have adapted our energy systems for a genuinely cold-climate environment. Each of those is a milestone on its own. Together, they mark a real step-change in what Navalt can build and where we can take it. From the backwaters of Kerala to the harbours of Halifax, the mission stays the same: oceans, electrified. We can’t wait to see this one on the water. We expect to launch in July. Click on the links below to find out more about the Navalt Limo or book a cruise on Halifax Harbour Tours’ new boat or the Violet Mac Navalt  Halifax Harbour Tours The post India’s leading solar electric ferry builder delivers first boat to North America appeared first on Plugboats.

    9 min
  4. Gussies electric boat award winner seeks investment to begin commercial production

    May 29

    Gussies electric boat award winner seeks investment to begin commercial production

    Optima Yachts of the UK, a winner in the 2024 Gussies International Electric Boat Awards, is looking for investors, operators or strategic acquirers that can take the Optima 14 and the company’s other recreational and commercial electric vessels into production. Listen to this article as a podcast All of the Optima boats are designed around the company’s proprietary ultra-efficient hull technology, engineered using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to dramatically reduce resistance and energy consumption. The result is a vessel capable of travelling over 150 nautical miles at comfortable cruising speeds. This puts the hull in the top tier of (non-foiling) electric boats in terms of moving it through water using the least amount of energy. Having said that, not all electric boats are designed for the same kind of use. Many are designed to be planing boats, harbour workboats, or other vessels that are less concerned about this kind of cruising. 5 years of R&D for ultra efficient hull The distinctive Optima hull is the result of more than five years of research and development and was supported by £1.6 Million (€1.85M, $2.15M) in innovation grants. It might be described as a ‘trimaran tunneling hull’. It has a central hull with ‘pontoons’ on either side, these adjacent mini-hulls having an extremely sharp V profile. They connect to the main section of the hull with an arching design that creates a sort of tunnel similar to the hulls used in speedboat racing. What makes the Optima attractive for the large percentage of boat owners who are less concerned about engineering and more concerned about comfort is that the hull provides this efficiency while the rest of the boat has been designed to be spacious and elegant with all of the amenities one expects from a luxury yacht. The 10.6-metre (35 ft) Optima e10 can accommodate up to 8 guests and has a double bed cabin, fridge/freezer, sink, induction stovetop hob/grill, hot waterdeck transom shower, electric toilet with holding tank and a high end 4 speaker audio system. The E14 electric award winning boat takes things to the next level, with a sunbed, central dining area and room for 12 guests. First e-boat to circumnavigate Isle of Wight In 2023, powered by a 40kW electric propulsion system, the e10 became the first electric boat to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight non-stop, completing the 55-nautical-mile journey while costing just £20 (€23, $27) to recharge. Optima CEO David Kendall said “It was an incredibly comfortable and enjoyable trip – we were able to have lunch and engage in pleasant conversation on passage thanks to the good sea keeping of the innovative hull and noise reduction from the electric drive. We arrived back in Lymington as relaxed and refreshed as we started, despite some challenging conditions south of the island including thick fog and lively seas off St Catherine’s Point.” Read: Optima e10 first electric boat to circumnavigate Isle of Wight Optima has also developed vessels that target the expanding commercial marine opportunities in tourism, hospitality and urban waterfront mobility. Adaptable configurations for 12-passenger luxury water taxis, small ferries and larger models carrying up to 50 passengers use the Optima hull and electric propulsion to dramatically lower long term ‘re-fuelling’ costs.  These applications are also relevant for island resorts, waterfront destinations and municipalities seeking zero-emission transport alternatives in response to tightening environmental legislation and changing customer expectations. Many hospitality operators are increasingly looking to offer premium guest transfer experiences that align with wider sustainability goals, while governments continue to invest in cleaner transport infrastructure. “We have spent years solving one of the biggest barriers to marine electrification – vessel efficiency,” said CEO Kendall. “We believe the business is now at an exciting inflection point and are looking for the right investment and ownership to take Optima to the next level, whether through commercial production, strategic partnerships or expansion into markets.” For investors, operators or strategic acquirers seeking entry into the rapidly growing electric marine market, the opportunity represents the acquisition of proven intellectual property, validated technology and a highly differentiated platform positioned at the intersection of sustainability, efficiency and premium marine mobility. Interested parties can get in touch through the Optima Yachts website. Optima Yachts website The post Gussies electric boat award winner seeks investment to begin commercial production appeared first on Plugboats.

    6 min
  5. Plugboats Guide to Electric Boat Exhibitors – Venice Boat Show 2026

    May 26

    Plugboats Guide to Electric Boat Exhibitors – Venice Boat Show 2026

    The 7th edition of the Venice Boat Show (Salone Nautica Venezia) begins Wednesday, May 27th and will once again provide a large stage for electric propulsion in a city synonymous with water and boating. Listen to this article as a podcast The centre of the show is the Arsenale complex, where a 2,000 man enterprise could turn out a ship every day during Venice’s five century reign as a maritime empire, and an entire Italian forest was dedicated to supplying the wood. In this century, marine fast charging network Aqua superPower is supplying two high speed chargers for the electric boats that will line the P2 Pontoon of the complex, and a Green Parade will have those electric boats cruising through the historic canals of ‘La Serenissima‘ (the most serene city). The Green Parade is on Friday May 29 and kicks off three days dedicated to electric boating, winding up with the presentation of a number of awards on Sunday including:  Environmental Award: for the vessel with the lowest environmental impact Technological Award: for the most innovative technical solutions and Venice Award: for the vessel generating the lowest wake impact In this Plugboats Guide to Electric Boat Exhibitors we highlight some of the electric Sailboats, Power Boats, Watertoys, Jetskis, Motors and Batteries that will be showing at the Salone, along with a Directory of all electric boats exhibitors that includes links to their websites for further information.  Directory of Electric Boat Exhibitors at Salone Venezia 2026 Click to Open   +   or  –  Close a Directory of all electric exhibitors. Selected highlights of the show are below, featuring electric sailboats, electric powerboat, electric jetskis, and electric motors, drives and batteries Click any tile for company information and links. Ampereship ampereship.com Ampereship’s CleanPower vessels make electric mobility on inland waterways economically viable. 100% smart. 100% climate-friendly. AQUA superPower aqua-superpower.com enquiries@aqua-superpower.comINTERNET +44 7733 882 372work Our Mission To reduce the impact of boating on the marine environment through the development of an all-electric and integrated global ecosystem of marine superchargers. AQUA superPower is the first fully marinised dockside network of fast chargers for electric boats. Each station provides AC and DC charging with a current maximum power output of 150 kW, allowing DC compatible powerboats to rapidly recharge and extend their autonomy. AQUA has developed the first supercharger specifically engineered and rated for use in marine environments. Built to IP65 standards and constructed using Hydro CIRCAL recycled aluminium, superPower is a revolutionary and environmentally-conscious marine charging solution. AS Labruna aslabruna.it aslabruna @ aslabruna.it +39 080 77 71 35 Axopar axopar.com Axopar has joined forces with Evoy motors to produce Evoy electric version of their Axopar 25. Jan-Erik Viitala, Founding Partner of Axopar, says “Our partnership with Evoy is a perfect example of two great companies, on a joint mission, to expand the boating community and offer new ways of mobility for the future.” Azimut Bennetti azimutyachts.com Bavaria Yachts bavariayachts.com Belisama Yacht belisamayacht.it Belisama reinvents the way yachts are designed, built and experienced. Our vessels are made with marine‑grade aluminum modules: strong, light and sustainable. Beneteau beneteau.com Beneteau has been a pioneer for recreational boating from the outset. With its world-leading ranges and iconic products, nearly 45 models offer diverse, high-performance capabilities. With one single idea in mind: innovating in terms of both boats and processes to enable as many people as possible to realize their dreams, making the avant-garde accessible. At Cannes Yachting Festival of 2021 Beneteau announced its first entries into electric boating, with Jérôme de Metz, Groupe Beneteau Chairman and CEO, saying “There are new expectations and user habits, new ways of travelling and latest technologies: a new world of pleasure boating and marine leisure is coming into view on the horizon, and all of us throughout Groupe Beneteau are positioning ourselves to be the leading players in this new world.” Boatee boatee.it info(at)boatee(dot)it Italy De Antonio Yachts deantonioyachts.com info@deantonioyachts.comINTERNET +34 93 467 60 36work The most advanced technologies are used for the design, engineering, and construction in De Antonio Yachts, as well as an international team of specialists in each area. That is why the latest solutions, the highly demanded features, and the trendiest design has caused a notorious impact in the boat industry and brought De Antonio Yachts as one of the leaders in the day boat market. The E23 is the brand’s first 100% electric boat, the beginning of a new era. An innovative model, which concept is based on maximum efficiency. Its compact proportions with a catamaran architecture integrates a foil between its hulls, giving it unique emission-free sailing performance in its segment while offering a practical and comfortable space on deck, with a careful design all throughout details and finishes. A model that combines cutting-edge technology and design Location: Barcelona, Spain Delphia delphiayachts.com Mindful cruising We build boats that are specifically designed for the lakes and rivers of the world. We love slow and quiet cruises where we can fully connect with our friends, family, and nature. We are mindful cruisers. Our home is on the lakes and river. Our boats are specially designed for all the sailors who enjoy fresh water cruising, all over the world. We believe the best cruises are clean and quiet. That’s why Delphia is committed to create boats that are fully electric, by 2024. We love to escape from it all. For us, boats are meant to be a second home, where comfort, space and light create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, for all your weekend getaway and holidays. »» Contact Delphia Dufour Yachts dufour-yachts.com The Dufour range of sailing boats comprises 9 iconic models designed to suit every sailing programme. Three are available with electric propulsion – Dufour 41, 470, 530., with four available . For over 60 years, Dufour yachts has a boat manufacturer have demonstrated their adaptability and versatility through beautiful innovations. Excess Catamarans excess-catamarans.com Excess introduces at the Cannes Yachting Festival the first hybrid Excess 15 equipped with Torqeedo’s flagship Deep Blue Hybrid system. With such an innovative project managed through the “Excess Lab”, Excess is taking a distinctive first step within the catamaran market towards more sustainability. Fountaine-Pajot catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com Fountaine Pajot is working on the deployment of electric motors for its sailing catamarans. This project should see the light of day in 2022 with the installation of electric motors on the Aura 51, the new 51-foot catamaran designed by Fountaine Pajot. Frauscher frauscherboats.com frauscher@frauscherboats.comINTERNET +43 7612 636550work Porsche X Frauscher 850 Fantom Air Engineers of Emotions since 1927 The Frauscher boatyard’s model range is as diverse as the sea. In addition to award-winning design classics, we regularly add innovations that embody our passion for development, new ideas, and revolutionary technologies. Perfected down to the last detail. Frauscher has been building electric boats since 1955. In 2008, Frauscher built the world’s first sports boat with a hybrid engine, and in 2009, the world’s first certified hydrogen-powered boat. With a share of around 40% of total production, electromobility is not just a dream of the future, but a living reality. Every magnificent piece that leaves our factory carries the Frauscher spirit into the world and demonstrates what we value: outstanding design, an incomparably dynamic design language, fine materials, new technologies, the highest level of comfort, and, of course, a vibrant tradition of craftsmanship. Location: Oberosterreich, Austria Greenline Yachts greenlinehybrid.com +386 4 572 77 34work With the introduction of the first hybrid boat in 2008, Greenline revolutionized the boating industry and ever since then the brand has been a synonym for constant innovation in boat building and design. Our vision is to continuously shape the future of responsible boating by being the most innovative and responsible boat brand in the world. Location: Begunje, Slovenia Dealers located Worldwide

    22 min
  6. Plugboats Guide to the new Napa California Electric Boat Festival

    May 26

    Plugboats Guide to the new Napa California Electric Boat Festival

    On June 6 Pleasure Cove Marina at Lake Berryessa near Napa, California, will host the first Lake Berryessa Electric Boat Festival, preceded on Friday by an Electric Marine Leadership Summit discussing the future of electric boating in the United States. Listen to this article as a podcast The Summit will convene leading electric boat manufacturers, propulsion companies, marina operators, commercial fleet owners and policymakers. The Festival will allow consumers to learn more about electric propulsion with live on-water demonstrations and interactive exhibits as well as opportunities to ride and drive some of the electric boats and personal watercraft on display. Festival shore-side exhibits will spotlight the rapidly evolving ecosystem supporting electric boating, including propulsion systems, marine charging infrastructure, battery and energy solutions, marina electrification technologies, and electric boat rental and charter operators. Attendees at the Summit include the California CORE (Clean Off Road Equipment) Project, the California Air Resources Board’s Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program for Marine Vessels, and Regional Air Districts including the Sacramento Metro Air District. The California CORE Project has been instrumental in encouraging adoption of electric workboats in the state, like the Vita RIBs now operating in San Diego, San Francisco and Newport Beach near Los Angeles. Read: Vita grows electric workboat fleet with Berkeley Marina Tickets for the Festival cost $25 for (children are free), with additional charges for the Leadership Summit and/r a VIP experience that includes special on-water demos. Plugboats readers can use the code BOAT10 at checkout for a $10 discount. »» Purchase Tickets to the Electric Boat Festival Below is information about some of the companies that will be represented at the show. There is also a Directory of all exhibitors with links to their website and other contact information. Directory of Electric Boating companies represented at Lake Berryessa Electric Boat Festival Click to Open   +   or  –  Close a Directory of all electric exhibitors. Selected  highlights of the show are below Click any tile for company information and links. AQUA superPower aqua-superpower.com enquiries@aqua-superpower.comINTERNET +44 7733 882 372work Our Mission To reduce the impact of boating on the marine environment through the development of an all-electric and integrated global ecosystem of marine superchargers. AQUA superPower is the first fully marinised dockside network of fast chargers for electric boats. Each station provides AC and DC charging with a current maximum power output of 150 kW, allowing DC compatible powerboats to rapidly recharge and extend their autonomy. AQUA has developed the first supercharger specifically engineered and rated for use in marine environments. Built to IP65 standards and constructed using Hydro CIRCAL recycled aluminium, superPower is a revolutionary and environmentally-conscious marine charging solution. Arc Boats arcboats.com info@arcboats.comINTERNET Arc Boats: Aerospace-inspired engineering Driven by a team of former rocket engineers, the Arc One features cutting edge technology and engineering. We paired a novel hull design with custom battery packs for unprecedented stability, range, and speed. Bayfoils bayfoils.com Boat Specialists boatspecialists.com Charged Marine chargedmarine.com Duffy Boats duffyboats.com (949) 645-6811.work The Original Luxury Electric Boat! A Duffy is more than just an electric boat – it’s a lifestyle. Tens of thousands of delighted customers can attest to that. It’s not about going fast or going far – it’s about spending time with your friends and family while you cruise silently and enjoy what’s’ most important to you. As we like to say here at Duffy – we do 5 mph better than anyone else! Location: Newport Beach, CA, USA Edgewater Marine edgewatermarinellc.com/?utm_source=plugboats&utm_campaign=directory Michael@EdgewaterMarineLLC.comINTERNET (650) 766-9155work Explore the beautiful Foster City Lagoon in a quiet, eco-friendly, and easy to drive Duffy Electric Boat. As lifelong boating enthusiasts, we know its really about the lifestyle.  Whether you are new to electric boats or were born on the water, our goal is to make sure you have what you need to enjoy the ride with comfort, safety and your own personal style!  Enjoy relaxing, quiet, and eco-friendly cruising with Duffy Electric Boats. ePropulsion epropulsion.com Use web contact pagework Electric boat motor for sailboats ePropulsion electric outboards enable one-design sailboats to leave and return to the marina quick, silent and maneuverable.  The hydrogenation and solar charging also allow sailors to travel further and sail sustainably. Electric outboards for fishing boatsIdeal for both freshwater and saltwater, ePropulsion electric outboard motors are perfect for jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, bass boats and fishing pontoons. Electric outboards for work boats The electric outboard motor has a simple motor structure with much fewer components than gas engines. The quiet and exhaust-free experience also makes passengers comfortable onboard. Electric outboards for dinghy and tenders Our electric outboard motors make your boat trips comfortable, quiet and exhaust-free. Our maintenance-free designs save you time, money, and headaches. China   EVOA evoae1.com eteam@evoae1.comINTERNET EVOA Propulsion is an industry leader in advanced marine propulsion. We are a performance driven brand that was born from Formula E technology combined with decades of marine industry experience. Our E1 system delivers an unprecedented on-water experience that is quiet and powerful all while prioritizing environmental stewardship. IT’S BEYOND ELECTRIC, IT’S HOW BOATING SHOULD BE.   flite fliteboard.com hello@fliteboard.comINTERNET +61 1300 003 5483work The Fliteboard eFoil gives the sensation of flying over water. Fliteboard carves like a snowboard in fresh powder, but with the freedom to ride anywhere, anytime, without wind or waves. It’s fast, quiet, and emission free. Flux Marine fluxmarine.com info@fluxmarine.comINTERNET Revolutionizing Marine Propulsion With a deep passion for boating, we set out to move the marine industry forward, redefining the limits of what an exceptional boating experience can be: more powerful, more efficient, more sustainable, and more enjoyable. We design and build electric propulsion systems, partnering with industry leading hull manufacturers to deliver a better boating experience. Our Technology Our systems have been designed from the ground up to improve every aspect of the boating experience. From the all-electric outboard to the technology that supports it, every detail has been carefully considered, making boat ownership and operation easier than ever before. Rhode Island, USA Read articles about Flux Marine in Plugboats See Flux Marine equipped boats for sale in Plugboats Marketplace Genesis Marine genesismarinetechnologies.com There’s a new wave in town. The world’s first hybrid wakeboard boat. A new class of marine performance: More power, more range, less maintenance. Greenline Yachts greenlinehybrid.com +386 4 572 77 34work With the introduction of the first hybrid boat in 2008, Greenline revolutionized the boating industry and ever since then the brand has been a synonym for constant innovation in boat building and design. Our vision is to continuously shape the future of responsible boating by being the most innovative and responsible boat brand in the world. Location: Begunje, Slovenia Dealers located Worldwide Nautique ingnenity.com sales@nautique.comINTERNET 1-800-346-2092work The World’s First 100% Electric Towboat SUPER AIR NAUTIQUE GS22E A first of its kind, the Super Air Nautique GS22E is a revolutionary electric towboat unlike anything else on the market today. For the ultimate on-water experience, Nautique has partnered with our sister company, Ingenity Electric, to bring the latest in electric propulsion technology to our multi-sport GS22E. The award-winning Ingenity Electric system operates using clean energy that delivers optimal performance for watersports activities in an eco-friendly package. Built onto the already widely popular Super Air Nautique GS22 platform, this new GS22E is a boat ready to connect families that like to do a little of everything on the water while emitting zero-emissions. Location: Orlando, FL, USA RAD Propulsion radpropulsion.com info@radpropulsion.comINTERNET 023 8212 9530work

    22 min
  7. The F800 from new electric boat builder ESEA. Their philosophy is in their name.

    May 18

    The F800 from new electric boat builder ESEA. Their philosophy is in their name.

    Riding the wave of the launch of their first model – the F800 – at Boot Dusseldorf, electric boat builder ESEA has completed its initial seed funding round. It is now set to build on its long term vision: a new generation of boats that are environmentally responsible, intuitive to use and designed around the real needs of modern boaters. Listen to this article as a podcast “We founded ESEA with the belief that boating should feel simple, intuitive and enjoyable” said Co Founder and Director Dee Du. “With the F800, we have taken a fully integrated approach, bringing together propulsion, controls and onboard systems into a single, cohesive design that creates a more seamless and responsive experience on the water.” Easy • Smart • Silent Du and his co-founders started with a core team and its extensive experience in yacht fleet management, superyacht sales and non-naval software design. That variety of viewpoints was essential in realizing that there was a significant gap in the market for people who love the idea of getting out on the water but do not come from sailing or boating backgrounds. These are people who are busy at work and have lots of other interests in their leisure time. They want a boat that is simple to operate and does not require significant maintenance or technical know-how. The team came up with ‘Easy · Smart · Silent’ as their mantra for what these customers wanted and the company name and brand ‘ESEA’ (easy) was a natural. Optimized displacement hull The team consulted with award-winning superyacht designers and called on the talents of the UK’s  Thorne Yacht Design to execute on the naval architecture and incorporating / integrating all ESEA philosophy elements into the F800. The starting point is electric propulsion – a simple and fundamental choice for something that strives to be easy, smart and silent. The silent part is a given. The easy part is there with a motor and drive that are the next thing to maintenance-free. And because the mechanical parts run on electrons rather than atoms, it is much easier to link ongoing performance with digital controllers and monitors. The results are more precise, more flexible, more programmable. In a word: smart. To make the most of an electric boat requires an efficient hull to minimize energy/power requirements and maximize range. One of the ways the F800 achieves that is its almost knife-sharp bow. With an angle too severe to be done with a single mould, it uses the split-hull technique in which the hull is made of separate port and starboard sections bonded together after the moulding. Range of up to 11 hours The range is impressive. The 20 kW (35 hp) motor can power the F800 for almost 11 hours at 6 knots (11 kmph / 7 mph), providing a distance range of 67 Nautical miles (124 km / 77 mi). The boat can go faster – up to double that speed – but the ‘sweet spot’ of the displacement hull is the slower rate. As Du reminded me in Düsseldorf, speed is not what the ESEA driver is looking for. They are looking for simple  and easy, and speed almost always comes with more complexity. The driver/pilot needs to be more attentive about everything, both inside and outside the boat, looking out for deadheads and obstructions, deciding what angle to take the waves. Inside the boat the passengers need to worry about moving around or spilling a drink. The smart controls of the F800 are designed to make life easy for the person at the helm. To reduce any sudden jumping forward or backward when docking, a dock mode button initiates a ‘digital gear’ that makes the throttle less sensitive. The steerable pod drive also helps with its rotation arc of 270 degrees. A large, easily understood monitor screen displays the most important information in a way that can be understood intuitively: speed, location, battery state of charge and remaining range. Although more detailed information can be easily revealed when necessary, the ESEA customer is not looking to know at every moment what the RPMs and voltage are. They are on the water to relax with friends and family. To that end, there is an expansive social area in the bow ahead of the centre console, and a large sun bed and swimming platform at the stern. A ‘virtual anchor’ can automatically maintain the boat’s location at a swimming or eating/drinking spot so the driver can participate in the fun. The system also has remote locking and geo-fencing to keep it within certain areas. Electric boat builder focussed on user experience There are other details around the boat that may not be noticed immediately but make life on board just a little more enjoyable. The deck lights all shine downward so they are never shining directly in the face of the passengers. The cooler box is easily reached from any nearby seat. When I asked Du what he wanted people to feel after being on the boat, he said “The goal is for them to have an easy experience, whether they are driving it or as a passenger. No friction, just enjoyment. They can really enjoy water and the natural surroundings without any noise and their food and drinks without any fumes and smoke. Really, everything is designed for the name of the boat – easy. That’s our philosophy. Make everything easy for the user.” That simple and easy philosophy steers everything the company does. The recent investment will be used to advance their idea of a modular product architecture for a range of boats and a globally adaptable manufacturing model for scalability. The first step in that direction is a new 6 metre (≈ 20 ft) model under development that will extend the company’s design philosophy into a broader segment of the market, supporting its ambition to make electric boating more accessible for those who want their on-water experience to be easy, smart and silent. ESEA website ESEA F800 Specifications Length LOA 8 m / 26 ft Beam  2.64 m / 8 ft 7 in Motor 20 kW / ≈ 30 hp Range 67 Nm / 124 km / 77 mi (cruising speed) Cruising Speed 6 kts / 11 kmph / 7 mph Max Speed 12 kts /22 kmph / 14 mph  The post The F800 from new electric boat builder ESEA. Their philosophy is in their name. appeared first on Plugboats.

    7 min
  8. WaVes #31 – Electric boat and boating news May 9 2026

    May 10

    WaVes #31 – Electric boat and boating news May 9 2026

    Plugboats WAVES (Watts, Amps, Volts, Electrons) is a regular collection of electric boat and boating news items that we have written about before and are updating, or items we are going to write about but are waiting for more information / developments – or items that are just tidbits you might find interesting. Listen to this article as a podcast Here is WaVeS #31, with electric boat and boating news about: The Impressive results of the Hyke electric ferry real life trial Hobart, Tasmania get electric flying ferries by Vessev Groundbreaking solar deck wins Canadian start-up competition Valencia marina launches new electric clean-up boat Southern California gets an Aqua superPower high speed charger Nuclear powered superyachts a step closer Impressive results for Hyke electric ferry after 14-month trial The Hyke electric F-15 Shuttle, a winner of the 2024 Gussies Electric Boat Awards, has posted impressive numbers that show it requires up to 88 per cent less energy than similar size diesel vessels – using roughly the same amount of power as five household hair dryers. It also had a passenger satisfaction rating of 4.72 out of 5. From April 2024 to July 2025, the fully electric, 50-passenger ferry operated as part of the municipal transport system of Fredrikstad, Norway, carrying more than 41,000 passengers in daily operation. The route covered a 225-metre river crossing with an average crossing time of approximately two minutes, demonstrating a high-frequency urban transport application. The test provided a direct comparison of electric ferry vs diesel within the public transport network. Halvor Vislie, CEO of Hyke, says: “The project shows that our urban waters can be used much more efficiently. Instead of digging tunnels or building bridges, which are hugely costly, electric ferries can quickly be deployed to shuttle large numbers of passengers. It’s time to rethink urban planning by putting waterways at the centre. Together with Fredrikstad Municipality, we’ve demonstrated that the Hyke F-15 can operate as part of everyday public transport – efficiently, quietly and with strong passenger acceptance.” Following these results Hyke is focussing on scaling its business through additional vessel builds and the establishment of a joint venture with one of the largest transport operators in Norway. Hyke website Vessev hydofoiling e-ferries expand to Tasmania network Vessev, the New Zealand builder of electric hydrofoiling ferries, announced just over a month ago that they would be providing Australia’s first electric hydrofoiling ferries in Perth. They are now expanding their down under presence with another network in Hobart, on the island of Tasmania. Fly Derwent, a new clean energy transport venture, will launch the network on the Derwent River, reconnecting Hobart’s thriving waterfront using Vessev’s VS–9 models with expansion to a fleet of VS–12 vessels. The 29-foot VS–9 carries 10 passengers with a range of up to 50 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots, while the 37-foot VS–12 can carry up to 30 passengers. Together, the system will create a high-frequency water transit network, without requiring major new infrastructure. Powered by Tasmania’s world-leading grid, which runs on almost 100% on renewable electricity sources including wind and solar, the service is designed to deliver one of the planet’s lowest-emissions commuter transport models. Read: Australia latest country to get electric flying ferries Fly Derwent Principal Cameron McCulloch, an engineer with nearly 20 years of executive experience in the clean energy sector, said the network will be more like a metro system than a traditional ferry service. “From the very beginning this project has been about demonstrating how Tasmania’s renewable energy focus can translate into sustainable transport leadership. This technology unlocks affordable, river-based commuter and tourism transport in Hobart without the need for large-scale infrastructure changes. That’s what excites me most – not just the boats themselves, but everything they make possible in Hobart and beyond,” McCulloch said. The VS–9 is expected to arrive in Hobart in early 2027, with the VS–12 fleet to follow. Vessev website Canadian marine solar company wins startup competition Open Waters Solar, a British Columbia company founded in 2016,  has developed a special composite material that suspends solar cells inside a protective layer to combine structural rigidity with enough flexibility for a number of different applications, including marine. One of the company’s flagship products is SolaDek, a durable, power-generating deck surface for boats that has non-slip coating for walkability. It was developed because the company founders were frustrated by fragile and inefficient marine solar designs that came with bulky frames and sometimes miselading claims. In the inaugural ‘Beaver’s Den’ competition, a Canadian riff on the popular Shark Tank franchise, pre-Series A companies were invited to vie for a chance to win cash and exposure at Vancouver Science World. Twenty-five startups were selected as finalists, with the top five pitching live in late April. The winners were Open Waters Solar. “We’re honoured to come out on top,” said Niki Kearl from the victorious team. “We’ve developed a solution that delivers true durability, flexibility, and performance for those who seek the best and we went into this process with a strong data room, clear commercialization, and real market traction.” Open Waters Solar website Spanish marina gets electric clean up boat The Marina Port Valencia in Spain has taken delivery of an electric cleaning boat designed to keep its waters pristine while also contributing to the commitments of the Marina’s sustainability strategy and that of parent company Marina Norte. The “NetBoat’, a CatClean 75 model from builder Ona Safe & Clean, measures 7.5 metres in length with a 2.5-metre beam, delivering a hydrocarbon retention capacity of up to 2,000 litres alongside an approximate cleaning capacity of 8.89 km² per hour. NetBoat is constructed from certified marine-grade aluminum and designed with a catamaran-style hull. Its electric propulsion system with incorporated solar panels enables it to work up to sixteen hours each day. The silence of the system also means it can operate without disrupting the yachting community or visitors. The technology onboard was developed specifically for water cleaning, with a multi-task system that collects floating waste, removes hydrocarbons and surface oils, and oxygenates the water as it operates, actively enhancing environmental conditions across the marina – in the air as well as the water. At the launch, Patrick Reynés, CEO of Marina Port Valencia, emphasized that “NetBoat isn’t just a cleaning tool, but a statement of intent about the marina model we want to build for the future. It is part of a broader roadmap centred around innovation, decarbonization and active conservation of the Mediterranean.” Ona Safe & Clean website  Marina Port Valencia website Premier California marina gets Aqua superPower high speed charger One of the premier marinas in one of the largest recreational harbours in the United States – Marina Park in Newport Beach, California – now has an operating marine fast charger from Aqua superPower. This milestone deployment in one of the world’s prime boating locales is a significant step forward in supporting the burgeoning adoption of electric boats along the region’s iconic Pacific coastline. The Aqua charger is capable of delivering up to 24 kW of power via the international CCS standard and is specifically designed for the marine environments to ensure safe and reliable recharging for a wide range of electric vessels, from leisure craft to commercial operators. Last year, Newport Beach Harbor Department became the first public agency in the U.S. to add a boat powered entirely by electricity to its fleet of vehicles with a Vita workboat. That boat has been charged using standard voltage but will now be able to access the high speed charger, along with all other electric boats based in or travelling through the area. Read: Vita grows clean California fleet of electric boats “This installation represents a gamechanger for Southern California’s boating community,” said Scott Canning, US VP Business Development for Aqua superPower. “Newport Beach is a gateway to pristine coastal waters, and by bringing our fast-charging infrastructure here, we’re not just powering electric boats—we’re fuelling a sustainable future for marine electrification. Our brand-agnostic technology supports every major electric boat manufacturer, making the switch to e-boating seamless and accessible for all.” Aqua superPower’s global network now spans over 60 installations across Europe, North America, and beyond, with plans for further expansions in high-traffic Southern California areas like San Diego and Santa Barbara. Aqua superPower website  Nuclear powered electric superyachts closer than imagined? Superyachts, simply because of their sheer size and weight, are one of the hardest types of vessels to equip with a practical all-electric propulsion system. Nuclear energy – in which reactors heat water to create steam to drive turbines to generate electricity to power electric motors – has been used since 1958 on military submarines – and has been mentioned as a possibility for superyachts many times. I was at the World Yachting Summit in Monaco last summer where Tobias Kohl of mtu Rolls Royce suggested it may be feasible sooner than many people realize. Safety has been one obvious issue standing in the way, but now a system from AMPERA may take away many of those concerns, and they are working with Scorpio Tankers of Monaco to develop and deploy nuclear-powere

    13 min
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Everything electric boats and boating

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  • Creator
    Plugboats
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Plugboats