5 things to consider before converting to electric propulsion

Looking to upgrade your fleet or add an electric vessel to your operating route? Selecting the right electric propulsion system can be confusing, with multiple variables to consider, it can be difficult to know where to start. This article will breakdown 5 things to consider before converting to electric propulsion.

Route Profile

Whilst your vessel’s route is a low consideration when it comes to diesel transportation, you will find it becoming increasingly important as you are establishing how far you can travel on a level of stored renewable energy. Luckily for you, battery technology has progressed significantly over the last few years, making longer routes and increased passenger capacity feasible. When it comes to going electric, your route will determine how much charging time is required for your vessel, when a recharge is needed and where your shoreside infrastructure should be located. This step is crucial in determining which type of technology should be utilised and whether a hybrid solution will give you the additional capacity to travel further when required. You will need to look at the travel distance, the placement of wharfs and charging infrastructure, and required charge times for your vessel when establishing whether your route will suit a fully electric propulsion solution.

Anticipating Future Regulations

Governments and cities across the world have introduced regulations and incentives to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility, with EV road transportation starting to see more regulations around emission reduction. As we take a glimpse into the future, it is highly likely that marine organisations and governments will follow suit, suggesting it might only be a matter of time before petrol and diesel technology becomes obsolete. So, how can vessel operators get ahead of the game? By looking seriously at fleet emissions and options for electric propulsion now, operators have an opportunity to adopt electric solutions before fleets are no longer compliant. The good news is, there are engineers and experts who can help you achieve this.

Vessel and Load Requirements

When building an electric vessel, engineers and propulsion specialists are faced with a critical balancing act between weight and performance, with all aspects of boat design and capacity effecting the feasibility of fully electric propulsion for your vessel. Therefore, it is crucial to undertake a feasibility study which will highlight whether the size and capacity for your vessel will be suited to a fully electric solution.

Improving the Bottom Line

We all know that reducing environmental impact is a key reason for going electric, but it is often not enough to justify the initial costs of investing in an electric vessel. Therefore, it is important to establish a business case for such a significant investment. Electricity costs to operate would be up to 88% less than the current equivalent cost of diesel to operate the same runs. With zero emissions, no noise and significant savings in maintenance and upkeep, an electric vessel is estimated to run virtually maintenance free significantly longer than a conventional vessel with most electric propulsion machines needing no more than an inspection and a rebuild lifespan of 50,000 hours. A diesel engine on the other hand would typically run for 15-20,000 hours before requiring a complete repower or rebuild. Cost savings from fuel expenditure and maintenance requirements may save you money in the long run, therefore making going electric a smart option for vessel operators.

Engaging an Expert

Renewable marine transport is still an emerging sector – making suppliers, expertise, and insightful consultancy hard to come by. However, without this crucial guidance from an expert solution provider, establishing your initial business case for going electric can be almost impossible. Therefore, your first steps to developing an electric or hybrid marine vessel should involve engaging an expert – whether this is a company who offers electric propulsion, a boat builder or a renewable energy consultant. They will be able to provide an initial feasibility study to establish whether your vessel route and passenger capacity will support a fully electric solution or hybrid technology. Developing this technology takes some impressive minds from the marine industry and many fully electric vessels require the expertise of multiple parties.

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