Turning Tides: The new wave of e-boats taking to the seas

It’s estimated that maritime greenhouse gas emissions account for around 2.5 per cent of the global total, marginally ahead of the two per cent that aviation contributes. If shipping were a country, it would be the sixth largest emitter of CO2 after China, the USA, India, Russia and Japan. International shipping – much like long-haul flight – will not be electrified any time soon, as the energy density of batteries simply cannot facilitate it. And for an industry that’s recently committed to halve its emissions by 2050, that’s a fairly significant problem.

While companies such as Maersk are looking to solutions like green methanol to power ocean-going ships, electrification is viable for boats that don’t venture too far from the shore and can recharge regularly. From speed boats to ferries and even small container ships, e-boats are beginning to make headway in the maritime sector, inspiring some cutting edge engineering to complement their green credentials.