logo
ACEL Power and Iconic Zero-Emission Vessel "Porrima P111" Partner for Landmark International Launch

ACEL Power and Iconic Zero-Emission Vessel "Porrima P111" Partner for Landmark International Launch

Yahoo3 days ago

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACEL Power Inc., a Canadian leader in intelligent electric propulsion systems, is proud to announce its participation in the relaunch of Porrima P111—the world's first zero-carbon vessel to circumnavigate the globe without fossil fuels. This collaboration marks the first phase of an ongoing partnership with Porrima to scale intelligent electric systems for auxiliary and main propulsion in future vessels.
Originally built in Switzerland and launched in 2010, Porrima made history by completing four global tours powered entirely by renewable energy. After arriving in Taiwan in 2023, the vessel has undergone more than a year of advanced retrofitting in southern Taiwan. The upgraded ship, now named Porrima P111, stands as a symbol of global collaboration in marine innovation and sustainability.
The official launching ceremony took place on May 22, 2025, at Xingda Port, Kaohsiung City. Hosted by the Co-Founder of Porrima Stan Shih, the event was attended by Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and First Lady Valerie Whipps, highlighting growing diplomatic and environmental cooperation in the Pacific region. The presence of Pacific leaders reflects the growing alignment between technology, sustainability, and diplomacy — a vision ACEL Power supports as we expand into Asia-Pacific markets.
As part of this groundbreaking partnership, ACEL Power is collaborating with Porrima to deliver its Intelligent Electric Series for the vessel's Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) tender, utilizing its 50HP system with 40Kwh Battery pack. More than electrification, this integration represents a leap towards intelligent marine mobility — combining zero-emission performance with digitalization. Together, ACEL and Porrima are setting a new global benchmark for sustainable, smart marine innovation. By contributing to this flagship project, ACEL Power is proud to join a global ecosystem of innovators committed to redefining the future of maritime mobility.
Porrima was co-founded by Acer Group founder Stan Shih and "Blue Economy" author Gunter Pauli, with a vision to position net-zero marine innovation as a pillar of future industry. The vessel's retrofit was led by a cross-industry collaboration driven by Shih, leveraging Taiwan's industrial capabilities to build a new zero-carbon marine supply chain.
"This moment marks both a celebration of the past and a bold step into the future," said Anthony Liu, CEO of ACEL Power. "We're honored to power part of Porrima's journey and excited to expand access to electric propulsion through our partnership with VIVIC."
About ACEL Power
ACEL Power, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is a pioneering manufacturer of electric outboard propulsion systems, leading the marine industry in innovation and sustainability. Noted for introducing the world's first mass-produced 50 and 75HP electric motors, ACEL Power is committed to shaping a sustainable future through the creation of a smart electric eco-system. With a forward-looking vision, ACEL aims to offer a comprehensive range from 1HP to 650HP, establishing new benchmarks for marine propulsion in performance, safety, and longevity. Leveraging patented technology and integrated software solutions, ACEL Power is driving change towards a cleaner, more efficient boating experience.
For more information, visit www.acelpower.com.
Watch ACEL's electric outboard motors in action here
About Porrima P111
Pioneering Zero emission ship
The ship originally designed in 2008 and built in 2010 was the first to circumnavigate the world in 2012 without a drop of oil under the name "PlanetSolar". In 2017, the solar energy system was strengthened with an intelligent kite operated by a robot and hydrogen made from seawater. After sailing the equivalent of four times around the world, Porrima is ready to industrialize these zero emissions ships which are 20% boat and 80% technologies. These ships support sustainable local economic growth and stimulates entrepreneurship for the common good.
For more information, visit www.porrima.com.tw
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250527022112/en/
Contacts
Media Inquiries:ACEL Power Inc.Natasha Chawla, VP Sales & MarketingEmail: natasha@acelpower.com

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Panama will allow controversial mine to export already mined copper to fund maintenance

timean hour ago

Panama will allow controversial mine to export already mined copper to fund maintenance

PANAMA CITY -- Panama will allow a controversial mine that was closed after months of protests to export more than 120,000 tons of already mined copper concentrate to pay the costs of maintaining the inactive mine site, government officials announced Friday. Opposition to the massive copper mine led to some of Panama's most widespread protests in recent years before the country's Supreme Court rejected a deal that allowed a Canadian company to operate it. Toronto-based First Quantum Minerals said Friday that exporting the material that's sitting at the site will fund maintenance and environmental protection measures. Panama's President José Raúl Mulino called for those steps in March, when business groups were lobbying him to reopen the mine. Income from the mine accounted for nearly 5% of Panama gross domestic product the last year it operated. 'The purpose is to avoid, above all else, environmental damage,' Trade and Industry Minister Julio Moltó said Friday. He emphasized that the mine was not reopening, but said that the plan would ensure the site remained safe. The open-pit mine was temporarily closed in 2022 when talks between the government and First Quantum broke down over payments the government wanted. In March 2023, Panama's Congress reached an agreement with First Quantum, allowing subsidiary Panama Copper to continue operating the mine in a biodiverse jungle on the Atlantic coast west of the capital for at least 20 more years. The deal faced opposition from those who believed Panama wasn't getting as much as it should and from environmentalists and Indigenous groups who raised concerns about the mine's impact. Protests included a blockade of the mine's power plant. Protesters also blocked parts of the Pan American highway, including a stretch near the border with Costa Rica. On Nov. 28, 2023, Panama's Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the 20-year concession was unconstitutional

Hegseth warns Asia allies that China threat is ‘imminent'
Hegseth warns Asia allies that China threat is ‘imminent'

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Hegseth warns Asia allies that China threat is ‘imminent'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning to Asian allies on Saturday, portraying the threat China poses to the region as 'real, and it could be imminent.' In his first speech to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth was blunt about Washington's view of the Chinese military buildup in the region and the threat it poses to Taiwan, calling on allies to spend more on defense while pledging continued American partnership and support. "There's no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real, and it could be imminent," Hegseth said. Any Chinese military move on Taiwan "would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world,' he added. The secretary's comments were delivered in front of a packed room of Asian diplomats, military officials and business leaders, who heard the most fulsome comments on the threat of China delivered by any member of the Trump administration to date. It comes after President Donald Trump delivered a speech in Saudi Arabia this month outlining his vision of a reduced American military footprint around the world, while pushing allies to invest more heavily in their own security. Vice President JD Vance followed that up with a speech emphasizing the vision of a United States that will no longer attempt to impose democracy and democratic values on other countries, but seek economic and military partnerships that offer value to both sides. While Hegseth pledged American support for allies in the region, he built upon that theme by telling allies they weren't spending enough on their own defense at a time when the U.S. is increasingly looking inward, moving troops and equipment to its southern border with Mexico instead of new deployments overseas. 'Credible deterrence starts at home. It starts at our borders,' he said. 'We have put troops on the Southwest border and are driving towards 100 percent operational control there.' The stop in Singapore marked the secretary's second trip to the region since his January swearing-in. It followed a trip to NATO headquarters in Europe where he admonished allies for not spending enough on defense, a criticism he imported to Singapore. "It's hard to believe, a little bit, after some trips to Europe, that I'm saying this, but thanks to President Trump, Asian allies should look to countries in Europe as a new found example," Hegseth said. The NATO goal of spending at least 2 percent of GDP on defense has been updated by the Trump team to a whopping 5 percent, a goal that will be extremely difficult for most allies to achieve, including the United States, which spends about 3.5 percent on defense. Hegseth brought that message of more spending with him to Asia, telling the audience that 'we ask, and indeed we insist, that our allies and partners do their part on defense. Sometimes that means having uncomfortable and tough conversations.' On the spending issue, Hegseth remained frank. "It doesn't make sense for countries in Europe to do that while key allies in Asia spend less on defense in the face of an even more formidable threat, not to mention North Korea,' he said. That message will rankle some allies in the region, as Australia is spending billions on a partnership with the U.S. and U.K. to build a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, and Japan and South Korea have invested heavily in their own militaries in recent years. South Korea has emerged as a defense-industrial powerhouse, selling artillery and air defense systems across Europe. Hegseth also suggested that European nations should focus their efforts on securing European territory, allowing the U.S. to focus more on the Indo-Pacific. "We're pushing our allies in Europe to own more of their security — to invest in their own defense ... Thanks to President Trump, they are stepping up," Hegseth said.

Hegseth reassures allies that US will support them against Chinese aggression
Hegseth reassures allies that US will support them against Chinese aggression

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Hegseth reassures allies that US will support them against Chinese aggression

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed in a speech in Singapore on Saturday that the United States will continue to support U.S allies in the Indo-Pacific region against Chinese aggression as he warned that Chinese military action against Taiwan could be "imminent." Hegseth made his remarks in a speech at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, which is organized by the International Institute for Security Studies and is a high-profile gathering of regional and international security leaders. His remarks laid out how the Trump administration sees the Indo-Pacific region as a "priority theater" and how the U.S. is prepared to stand by allies in a region where China continues to carry out aggressive military actions, particularly against Taiwan and the Philippines. MORE: Hegseth, Gabbard lead US delegation to major security summit in Singapore "We do not seek conflict with Communist China. We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate," Hegseth said. "President Trump and the American people have immense respect for the Chinese people and their civilization, but we will not be pushed out of this critical region. And we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated." In recent years China has invested heavily in building up its military and increased its naval and air presence around Taiwan, engaging in almost daily harassment of Taiwan's borders -- raising concerns that it is preparing to retake by force the island nation it considers a breakaway province. "Nobody knows what China will ultimately do," said Hegseth. "But they are preparing and we must, therefore, be ready as well. Urgency and vigilance is our only option." "We are preparing for war, to deter war — to achieve peace through strength," Hegseth added. "And we look to you — our allies and partners — to join us in this important work. Our time is now. The threats we face will not wait. Nor can we." MORE: Macron will kick off Singapore security conference with Hegseth in attendance "To be clear: any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world," said Hegseth who stressed that China may be ready to act sooner than the 2027 deadline that China's President Xi Jinping had set for China's military to be prepared for possible action against Taiwan. "There is no reason to sugarcoat it. The threat China poses is real. And it could be imminent -- we hope not, but it certainly could be," said Hegseth. China has also increased tensions with the Philippines where Chinese military vessels regularly harass Philippine ships operating in the international waters of the South China Sea as it continues to assert its territorial claims in the region. Relations between the U.S. and China have also soured following Trump's announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese imports that led China to announce reciprocal tariffs. Both sides have since entered into a shaky temporary agreement to lower their tariffs. MORE: Trump admin live updates: Trump says he's doubling steel tariff to 50% In his remarks, Hegseth said the Trump administration was pursuing a "common sense" approach to reestablishing deterrence that includes increasing the U.S. military presence in the western Pacific, "helping allies and partners strengthen their defense capabilities, and by rebuilding our defense industrial bases." Hegseth encouraged Asian countries to follow the example of NATO nations that have made commitments to increase their military spending to 5% of their gross domestic product as the Trump administration has stated that it wants them to take more ownership of their security commitments in Europe. "President Trump and I will be counting on you in this room -- our allies and partners -- to be force multipliers of peace alongside the United States," Hegseth said. "We ask — and indeed, we insist — that our allies and partners do their part on defense." He added, "Sometimes, this means having uncomfortable and tough conversations. Partners owe to it to each other to be honest and realistic. This is the essence of a pragmatic, common-sense foreign policy." Hegseth emphasized that the administration's approach does not mean that America's allies will have to go it alone in potential military actions. "You will also see that we are -- and will remain -- loyal to our allies and partners. In fact, the only way to ensure lasting alliances and partnerships is to make sure each side does its part," he said. Hegseth added, "We will stand with you and beside you to deter Chinese aggression," said Hegseth. The forum is sometimes an opportunity for high-level meetings between top U.S. and Chinese defense leaders during times of rising tension. But in an apparent snub, China's defense minister did not attend this year's forum and instead China was represented by a delegation from its National Defense University. MORE: Trump claims China 'totally violated' trade agreement with US "We can't account for whether or not China is here or not, but we're glad we are, and we think it makes the region more stable and more peaceful," Hegseth told reporters when asked to comment on China's decision. China's rising aggression in the region has been a major topic of the conference that included an opening address by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been touring of Southeast Asian nations to stress France's role in the region. On Friday night, Hegseth sat in the audience as Macron stressed the importance of a new alliance between European and Asian nations to avoid becoming "collateral victims of decisions made by superpowers" -- a reference to the United States and China. Macron cautioned against a loss of credibility for the international-rules based order if it is applied differently by the U.S. with regard to China while it attempts to resolve the war in Ukraine by allowing Russia to keep seized Ukrainian territory as the Trump administration has proposed. "If we consider that Russia could be allowed to take a part of the territory of Ukraine without any restriction, without any constraint, without any reaction of the global order, how would you phrase what could happen in Taiwan?" Macron said. "What would you do the day something happens in the Philippines?" "What is at stake in Ukraine is our common credibility, that we are still able to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty of people," said Macron. "No double standards." Hegseth reassures allies that US will support them against Chinese aggression originally appeared on

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store