Latest news with #electricpropulsion

National Post
18 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
ACEL Power's 50 HP Electric Outboard Propels Porrima P111 RIB to 29 knots in Successful Sea Trial
Article content VANCOUVER, British Columbia — ACEL Power Inc. today announced outstanding test results for the new Porrima P111 rigid-inflatable boat (RIB). During sea trials last week, the 5.2 m (17 ft) aluminium centre-console RIB, powered by ACEL's IE 50™ 50 HP electric outboard and with Lithium Ferro-Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery pack, achieved a max speed of 29 knots while maintaining smooth, no emissions operations. Article content 29 knots. Zero emissions. Proven performance. ACEL Power's IE 50™ sets a new standard for electric marine propulsion. Article content Article content Key Performance Highlights Article content Raising the Bar for High-Performance Electric Propulsion Article content 'These trials prove that clean doesn't mean slow,' said Anthony Liu, Co-Founder & CEO of ACEL Power. 'Pushing an aluminum RIB of this size to 29 knots—without fumes, vibration, or carbon emissions—demonstrates the headroom our high-voltage architecture still has for commercial and recreational duty cycles.' Article content Why It Matters Article content Power-to-weight advantage – The IE 50™ delivers instant torque and high efficiency in a lightweight package, offering performance on par with conventional 70 HP systems while maintaining a lower overall weight when paired with ACEL's modular battery pack. Endurance & safety – The RIB can cruise for roughly two hours at planning speed, with LFP chemistry offering >3,000 charge cycles and superior thermal stability. Plug-and-play integration – Features like the digital throttle, floating NFC smart keys, and cloud-based diagnostics are designed for seamless installation and intuitive operation right out of the box. Article content Next Steps Article content While the RIB was developed as a tender for the zero-emission Porrima P111 catamaran, its successful performance demonstrates that ACEL Power's electric propulsion system is well-suited for mission-driven vessels focused on sustainability, such as support craft for clean energy expeditions, scientific monitoring platforms, and next-generation tenders for electric or hybrid motherships. ACEL will exhibit IE-Series at METSTRADE (Amsterdam) this November. Article content Hi-resolution images and raw test data are available upon request. Article content About ACEL Power Article content 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. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Inquiries: Article content Article content ACEL Power Inc. Article content Article content Article content


BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Climate change: Can working boats hit net zero target?
From patrolling harbours to ferrying maintenance crews to and from wind farms, workboats are the life blood of our rivers and just like the shipping industry, tough questions are being asked about how the sector can play its part in tackling climate the ambition of net zero by 2050 new technologies are being trialled to reduce the impact of an industry reliant on fossil cost and practicalities threaten the transformation with being left dragging its anchors. For Alg Bennett from Lymington it was frustration with what was on offer that led to his greener voyage. Switching from traditional outboard engines to an electric alternative, he was disappointed with the battery options."We ended up actually designing and building our own batteries in waterproof cases so we could take them on and off the boat, making them ultra portable but more importantly ultra safe."To Alg the advantages of a switch to a cleaner, greener propulsion system are obvious."We can take away all of the pollutants and problems that are going in the water and we see that at Lymington, we see that at Christchurch. We see the slick of oil around - and we can remove that." Turning our waters greener is an emerging theme at industry shows like Seawork in Southampton. It brings together exhibitors from around the world to put on show the latest technologies. In between the networking and trade there is talk about how to decarbonise the sector"Reducing use of fossil fuels is the first stop." says Seawork organiser Andrew Webster."Optimising the way engines are being used, including the use of AI. And then different fuels like hydrogen or ammonia or battery."For larger vessels - like those built by Isle of Wight company Diverse Marine - advancements in engine efficiency are playing a key Simon Thomson, international business development director, warns there is no single solution for how the sector hits its target."If we can refine the fuel, refine the system, reduce the carbon output - then it has to be a benefit. But it's a problem - I don't think anybody can answer that question." Onboard the Wyke Castle, tug systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have been installed. The vessel currently runs on marine gas oil (MGO) but there is potential to swap to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in the future. It burns with much lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) although the impact on the climate of its production has been questioned."Cost will always be the final factor I believe when it comes to companies" says Mark Foster, marine engineering manager at Portland Harbour Authority."The cheaper it becomes, the more it is on the market - much like with solar panels. The lower the cost comes down, the more readily available it is - the more people that will adopt it."What is clear from Seawork is that the maritime industry, including workboats, is changing. The question - is it changing fast enough? You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.