Cruising clean: smarter power for a changing world

With global efforts accelerating to reduce carbon emissions, the marine industry is under increasing pressure to operate more sustainably. While recreational boating represents a relatively small share of global emissions—accounting for less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 0.7% of transportation-related CO₂ emissions in the U.S., and 0.4% in Europe—it still registers on the environmental scale. 

These percentages may seem minor, but the impact becomes more significant when you consider there are an estimated 50 million recreational boats worldwide, with up to one million new vessels added each year. 

Traditional diesel-powered boats contribute to this footprint and are increasingly out of step with rising fuel costs and tightening emissions regulations. For a while now boat owners have been exploring cleaner, more efficient alternatives that benefit both the environment and the onboard experience, and many have been lucky to discover Integrel. 

The Integrel advantage 

Integrel is at the forefront of this shift to cleaner boating, offering two powerful systems that help boaters cruise with lower emissions, greater efficiency, and enhanced comfort: 

Integrel E-Power is a multi-award-winning system that harnesses a boat engine’s spare power, producing up to 9kW of onboard energy (or 18kW in a dual system) that is intelligently stored in a 48V battery bank. It eliminates the need for a separate generator and reduces fuel consumption, noise, and maintenance — powering all your onboard systems, from air conditioning to induction cooking, without burning extra fuel. 

Integrel E-Drive, launched this year, takes it further by combining electric propulsion and full onboard energy generation in one integrated system. E-Drive delivers up to 20hp of electric drive per motor and 15kW of energy generation (40hp and 30kW in a dual system for catamarans) — all in a compact hybrid package. It’s a true game-changer in electric boating, offering seamless power and propulsion while reducing emissions and fuel use. Boat owners can seamlessly switch between engine and electric drive, while also enjoying reliable onboard power without the need for a separate generator. 

Why boat owners should care 

Reducing emissions isn’t just about the environment — it benefits boaters too: 

• Fuel efficiency: Smarter systems mean less fuel used and fewer trips to the dock. 

• Lower costs: Reduced fuel consumption, removal of a generator and the associated maintenance costs save money in the long term. 

• Silent cruising: Electric drive means quieter operation and more peaceful time on the water. 

• Extended range: With efficient energy use and better battery management, you can stay off-grid for longer. 

• Stronger community: Adopting cleaner technology helps shape a more responsible and sustainable boating culture. 

Practical ways to reduce emissions 

Aside from adopting integrated systems like E-Power and E-Drive, boaters can take these simple steps to minimise their footprint: 

• Maintain engines and hulls to maximise efficiency 

• Reduce unnecessary weight onboard 

• Cut down engine idling time 

• Embrace renewable energy like solar and hydrovanes to support onboard systems 

• Hear from boat owners who’ve made the switch to Integrel and never looked back: https://integrelsolutions.com/category/case-studies/ 

Looking ahead 

With climate targets tightening and public demand for cleaner oceans growing, technologies like Integrel’s offer boat owners a real opportunity to lower their carbon footprint. With Integrel, boaters no longer have to compromise between performance and sustainability or live with the worry of being without an engine either.  

Beyond sustainability, smart systems like Integrel E-Drive and Integrel E-Power reduce noise, vibration, fuel use, and maintenance — while enhancing the on-water experience. 

So, whether you’re cruising through the Med or planning an ocean crossing, adopting cleaner technology means longer range, quieter nights at anchor, and brings long-term benefits — for your boat, your wallet, and the planet.

We’d love to hear about your cruising plans and how you’re keeping it cleaner — would you consider switching to Integrel? Get in touch to explore what’s possible, or if you’re already cruising with Integrel onboard, share your story with us!