Page 52: of Marine News Magazine (July 2020)

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A 14-meter launch placed into service last year by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society has parallel diesel and electric drives consisting of twin 650 hp diesels with waterjets and dual

Torqeedo Deep Blue 50 kW electric motors with 10 kWh Deep Blue lithium batteries.

Torqeedo Drives Toward Torqeedo Drives Toward

Marine ElectromobilityMarine Electromobility

All images: Torqeedo

By Eric Haun he future is painted bright for companies dealing in hy- for large yachts and workboats. In 2017, the ?rm was acquired brid and electric marine propulsion, as vessel owners and by engine manufacturer DEUTZ Group, which Plieninger operators pursue cleaner technologies to comply with ev- says places Torqeedo in a “strong position to ride the crest of

T er-stricter environmental regulations while also seeking ways the electromobility wave as market demand surges.” to improve their bottom line. Plieninger says several factors contribute to the positive out-

Case in point is Germany-based electric drives manufactur- look for hybrid and electric propulsion systems, including the er Torqeedo, which has to date delivered more than 100,000 swift pace of technological advancement. “Electric propulsion electric propulsion products for a wide range of recreational technology is improving rapidly, especially when it comes to and commercial customers. energy storage capacity, thanks largely to the massive R&D re-

The hybrid/electric market is one that’s ripe for growth, says sources of the automotive industry,” he says, noting Torqeedo’s

Dr. Ralf Plieninger, COO and CTO, Torqeedo. “We see a battery partnership with BMW. “More ef?cient batteries trans- bright future for electric propulsion as designers, builders and late into longer range and higher speeds. At the same time, re- operators come to appreciate its unique value proposition.” newable energy sources, such as solar panels, are also improving,

Torqeedo has been advancing steadily since its 2005 incep- and can in many cases provide a boost to batteries underway.” tion, expanding both its market footprint and product offer- Regulations demanding cleaner-running vessels, as well as a ing along the way, with double-digit growth year on year and broader awareness of global warming and interest in sustain- a product portfolio that now includes drives from 0.5 to 100 ability, are also growth drivers for Torqeedo and its peers. This kW, ranging from small electric outboards for kayaks and ca- is especially true in coastal- and inland-operating segments noes up to fully integrated electric and hybrid inboard system like passenger ferries, water taxis, harbor service vessels and

July 2020 52 MN