Electrifying a tugboat!

⚙️TUGBOAT CONVERSION

Arc Boats, previously known for innovative electric recreational vessels, is moving beyond water sports into commercial marine operations. The company recently announced a partnership with Diversified Marine Inc. to retrofit a 26-foot tugboat designed for operations at the Port of Los Angeles.

This project marks Arc's first significant venture into commercial marine vessels, a sector increasingly prioritizing sustainability. The electric tugboat features an impressive 600-horsepower dual-motor drivetrain paired with large lithium-ion batteries designed for demanding harbour tasks. Real-time performance monitoring and data analytics are built into the system, allowing operators to manage the tugboat efficiently.

Tugboats commonly operate within a relatively close range from shorelines, positioning them ideally for electrification. Their relatively short operational distances and frequent dock visits offer ample opportunities for recharging and battery management. This electric retrofit will significantly reduce emissions and operating costs compared to traditional diesel-powered tugboats.

Market forecasts indicate strong growth for the tugboat industry, driven by increasing global trade, port expansions, and environmental regulations. The global tugboat market, valued at approximately $497.2 million in 2023, is projected to reach around $1.1 billion by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 9.6%.

Arc's entry into this growing commercial market underscores a broader industry trend toward electrification and reduced environmental impact. Ports worldwide are facing regulatory and public pressures to lower emissions, making electric tugs like Arc's prototype increasingly attractive.

This innovative move positions Arc Boats to leverage its expertise in electric propulsion technology in a rapidly evolving sector, enhancing both their market reach and contribution to maritime sustainability.

And for those interested in the recreational side—let’s be honest—we bet this tugboat will throw a huge surf wake!

🖌️ELECTRIC JET PROPULSION

ZeroJet Systems is a marine technology company based in Auckland, New Zealand. Its mission is to replace combustion engines on water with electric jet propulsion. Since 2023, the company has refined a 48 V, 18 kW system that delivers the highest power‑to‑weight ratio in its class.

The core product is a plug‑and‑play electric jet unit that integrates motor and pump into a single bolt‑on assembly. This unit requires no liquid sealant and arrives fully assembled for straightforward hull integration. Builders can choose between console and tiller configurations to suit both hard tenders and RIBs.

Boat builders partner with ZeroJet to offer electric tenders under their own brands. Offshore Cruising Tenders, for example, fitted a 14 kW ZeroJet drive to a 5 kWh battery pack, complete with electronic throttle control and tiller steering.

Key technical specifications for the ZJ20 propulsion system include:

• System voltage: 48 V nominal

• Continuous power: 18 kW (25 hp equivalent)

• Jet unit mass: 42 kg

• Pump diameter: 150 mm

• Motor type: liquid‑cooled brushless DC with integrated controller

• Battery options: 5 kWh (pair; 105 Ah; 280 A full‑throttle draw; 55 kg) or 10 kWh (210 Ah; 360 A full‑throttle draw; 98 kg) LiFePO₄, IP67 rated

• Throttle unit mass: 1.7 kg; tiller unit mass: 4 kg

• Charging: 40 A at 240 VAC or 32 A at 115 VAC

• Auxiliary port: 13.5 V, 4 A max draw

• Safety and control features: integrated motor stop lanyard, removable pump grate, shaft seal and coupling arrangement, immobilizer, GPS, anti‑theft, reverse‑jet function, and display of state‑of‑charge, voltage, current draw, temperature, RPM and alarms.

Performance metrics for typical tender installations are:

• Maximum speed: 20 kn

• Planing speed: 10 kn

• Maximum range: 18 nm (12 nm average)

• Runtime at 3 kn: 4 h

• System weight (jet unit plus battery): 130 kg

• Length of hull: 3–4 m

• Passenger capacity: 1–5 adults

ZeroJet supports builders with detailed 3D design files, prototyping services and engineering support through testing and launch. The company positions its electric outboards as unbeaten in performance and reliability, offering a path for manufacturers and yacht owners to switch from petrol to electric power without compromise.

⚓️ ePONTOON BOAT

Princecraft introduces the Brio Electric Series, a lineup of electric pontoon boats built on H36 aluminum keels for strength and durability. These models balance comfort and performance while eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.

Three configurations serve different needs:

• Brioᵉ 21‑2S: 6.6 m (21′‑7″) centre line, capacity for seven persons, 18.6 kW (48 V) output (≈ 25 HP), 728 kg (1 605 lb) dry weight

• Brioᵉ 19: 6.0 m (19′‑7″) centre line, seating for five, 18.6 kW (48 V) output (≈ 25 HP), 674 kg (1 485 lb) dry weight

• Brioᵉ 17: 5.4 m (17′‑7″) centre line, seating for five, 18.6 kW (48 V) output (≈ 25 HP), 619 kg (1 365 lb) dry weight

Engine choices include:

• Avator 20 e (Mercury): 2 700 W input

• Avator 35 e (Mercury): 4 400 W input

• Cruise 3.0 RL (Torqeedo): 3 000 W input (comparable to 6 HP)

Performance varies by engine and throttle setting:

Standard equipment includes under‑seat storage, a console‑mounted courtesy light, battery chargers in secure boxes, a folding swivel driver seat, a rear swim platform with boarding ladder, and a black bimini top.

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