Going the Distance

How big and fast can electric outboard motors get, and how far will they be able to go? Long relegated to trolling duty and dinghy driving, electric outboards are now showing up with more horsepower to deliver greater speed on bigger boats, but how far will they be able to take us? Electric outboards have many attractive attributes. They are much quieter than their internal combustion cousins, have fewer moving parts, require little or no maintenance, are lighter, have much greater torque and don’t smell. But they also have their limitations. Speed isn’t so much the issue, but cost is. Range—particularly at higher speeds—is a major challenge.

ABB system to power hybrid-electric biomass fuel carrier

Switzerland-headquartered technology company ABB is to provide an electric-propulsion system for the e5 Lab’s Roboship project to support the decarbonization of the Japanese shipping industry. The Japanese Shipowners’ Association announced in October 2021 its goal of achieving net zero GHG by 2050, and is supported in this endeavor by the e5 Lab consortium, consisting of Asahi Tanker, Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the Mitsubishi Corporation, which will further develop renewably powered commercial vessels.

Zero-emission commuter ferry to enter service in Northern Ireland

Condor Ferries has joined the Belfast Maritime Consortium and is to begin operation of a zero-emission commuter ferry as part of a pilot scheme service between Belfast and Bangor, County Down, in Northern Ireland. Scheduled to enter service in 2024, the vessel will be the most advanced zero-emission commuter ferry in the world, Condor Ferries says. The ferry will act as a pilot scheme for fast passenger ferries which are currently being developed by the consortium and its leader Artemis Technologies.

Proteum supplies OXE 300 to Commercial RIB Charter for new amphibious offshore support vessel

Proteum is supplying twin 300hp OXE Diesel outboards to Commercial RIB Charter (CRC) for a fully amphibious vessel for support in offshore windfarm operations designed by Chartwell Marine and being built by Diverse Marine. OXE 300hp Diesel outboards were chosen for their robust design and ability for the operator to shift quickly from forward to astern without damaging the commercially rated gearbox.  They also provide increased range and market leading fuel economy.

RaceBird all-electric foiling boat takes first flight ahead of new E1 marine racing championship

Engineers have successfully begun water testing of the RaceBird – an all-electric, single pilot foiling boat that will soon be racing in the E1World Electric Powerboat Series. The RaceBird has been in development the past couple years as the official racing vessel for E1. The E1 World Electric Powerboat Series is a championship racing series created specifically for electric boats, dreamt up by Alejandro Agag, the founder of Formula E and Extreme E championship series, and Rodi Basso, a former Director of Motorsport at McLaren with

Canada considers subsidies for electric boat charging stations

A Canadian government initiative that subsidises private businesses by funding up to half the cost of installing charging stations for electric vehicles could soon be extended to include electric boats. The Charger Incentive Program, funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and managed by Green Economy Canada (GEC), is a C$3.9m initiative that aims to address the lack of charging stations in the country – a factor seen as a key barrier to EV adoption. The initiative refunds up to 50% of the cost incurred by private businesses for installing new electric vehicle charging stations, to a maximum of $100,000 per project.

Green Waves 630X electric boat now in serial production

Green Waves 630X is now the first electric-only boat in Norway to go into serial production.The 630X is the second model from Green Waves, joining the GW 601, introduced in 2019 and now being enjoyed by 30+ extremely satisfied customers, like this one quoted on the Green Waves site:

“This boat gives us 100% joy and no sorrows. On the stern it says 100% electric, and people in all age groups give a thumbs up when we pass. When someone drives up next to us to ask the usual questions about range and speed, I start the conversation by saying: ‘Sorry, I can’t hear anything because your boat is making noise’ – which always produces spontaneous laughter in the other boat.

The 601 was also selected to be in the stable of Oslo boat-sharing service Kruzer because it is ideally suited for a silent, leisurely outing with friends. Green Waves wanted to broaden its range, though, and so began work on the 630X model

RELiON Battery launches retail partnership with West Marine

West Marine is the largest dedicated boating retail chain in the US. Global lithium battery provider, RELiON Battery, will now supply RELiON batteries through American-based boating supply company, West Marine, via select stores across the US and the retailer’s website.  “With consumer demand for lithium batteries growing, the addition of RELiON will provide customers with an alternative to conventional lead-acid batteries as lithium batteries are inherently lightweight, have a longer life and charge quickly, among many other benefits,” said today’s statement.

Workboats that deliver

We have recently completed a six-boat order for Grieg Seafoods. These were 8.5 and nine metre boats using OXE diesel outboards. They have been very successful in the role they are used for and the crews like them. The boats are built to an approved structural design and supplied ready coded MCA Cat 3 for use on arrival on site. The Fluggaboats’ use of aluminium for the hull and the HDPE collar make a very durable, long-lasting boat that is proven to be up to to the use that farms require. Their strong structure and reserves of buoyancy mean these boats are probably the best on the market.

Mack Boring and Parts Co. celebrates 100th anniversary

Mack Boring & Parts Co. announced it is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. In 1922 Edward McGovern, nicknamed “Mack”, who served as a machinist in the U.S. Navy during WWI set out to build a business providing parts, cylinder boring and general machine shop work. The name of his company would become Mack Boring & Parts Co. which reflected his nickname and the services he would offer. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Mack Boring & Parts Co. is reflecting on the past 100 years while also looking ahead to the future.