Charting a greener course with hybrid solutions

Boat owners are also playing a crucial role in this movement. Their commitment to greener practices is driving demand for eco-friendly alternatives and putting pressure on boatbuilders and manufacturers to prioritise sustainability. The message is clear: if we are to continue enjoying the oceans, we must take action to preserve them. If left unchecked, the marine environment will face dire consequences, including ocean warming, acidification, rising sea levels, extreme weather, and disrupted marine ecosystems.

While marinas worldwide are implementing environmentally conscious practices like energy-efficient LED lighting, greener shore power solutions, and energy monitoring systems, the real opportunity for change lies onboard. Boat owners and the vessels themselves could potentially hold the key to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.

According to The Cruising Association, most cruising boats still rely on diesel engines, and converting them to fully electric systems can be expensive and challenging. However, hybrid power solutions, which combine diesel for battery charging with electric propulsion, offer a viable path toward cleaner boating. Hybrid technology is seen as a stepping stone toward full electrification, and it plays a significant role in decarbonising the industry. By embracing hybrid systems, boat owners can make significant strides toward a healthier ocean and a more sustainable industry.

Integrel offers a solution

One such hybrid innovation is Integrel E-Power, a highly efficient power generation solution that replaces the need for a diesel generator. A ‘souped-up alternator’ that generates up to 9kW of power while ensuring the engine runs in the most fuel-efficient way possible, Integrel E-Power harvests the spare energy produced by the engine without compromising performance, potentially reducing fuel consumption by up to 25%.

We developed the technology as a means of decarbonizing the maritime sector. Integrel E-Power is more than just a power generator – it’s part of a broader effort to minimise the marine industry’s environmental impact and offers boatbuilders a cutting-edge solution to meet increasing sustainability requirements.

Trevor Howard, CEO of Integrel Solutions

Taking this to the next level, our latest innovation, Integrel E-Drive, offers both power and propulsion. With a power generation capacity of up to 15kW for monohulls and 30kW for catamarans, it seamlessly integrates electric propulsion with power generation, offering boaters the opportunity to cruise in marinas with clean, emission-free electric drive, at the flick of a switch. Integrel E-Drive has garnered significant attention, even winning a prestigious Dame Category Award in 2022. As it moves towards full-scale production in 2024, it represents the future of eco-friendly boating.

As legislation and environmental policies around greener boating continue to develop, the marine industry will increasingly need to embrace sustainable technologies. Hybrid solutions like Integrel E-Power and E-Drive offer a way for boatbuilders to provide their customers with not only more sustainable options but also compliance with future regulations. Imagine cruising into a marina under electric propulsion, experiencing the serenity of the water without the noise or emissions of traditional engines. This is the future that hybrid systems are enabling.

Integrel Solutions will be showcasing both Integrel E-Power and E-Drive at METSTRADE.