Boating fun for the whole family

With a new electric motor, the old wooden rake became easy to handle.

Ida Salomonsen describes a whole new boating experience when her father installed an electric motor in the family's wooden kayak:

- Suddenly the whole family could use the oak and we used it a lot more. The big difference was the feeling of getting even closer to nature, and that the boat was so reliable and easy to handle," says Salomonsen.

Several of the neighbors noticed the silent oak tree. At the request of a cottage neighbor, Ida's father had soon electrified another boat.

Around the dinner table, the family discussed whether there could be a market for this. Eventually, they became convinced that the future of boating is electric. The family took the plunge and founded the company 'Green Waves', with the vision of electrifying the boating market and offering even better boating experiences.

More boating fun

Since its inception in 2017, the company has not only electrified many existing boats, manufacturing its own electric boats, but also developed a complete electric propulsion system that can be installed in a variety of boat types.

Ida Salomonsen is the CEO of the family business and over the past few years she has gained solid knowledge of what the market demands. When it comes to electrification in the segments that Green Waves has worked most with so far, there is a clear "top 3" list of user benefits of electric boats:

- The clear number one priority for our customers is the sound of our boats. This really appeals to the slow boat market, of which there are many here in Sörlandet, Norway. People simply say that they enjoy the sea even more and have a better boating experience," says Salomonsen.

She adds that a good second place is easier maintenance and operation. In third place is consideration for the environment.

Although customers care about the environment, that is not the reason why they take the step. The reason is better experiences at sea, in addition to simple and reliable engines. The fact that it is also smart for the climate and the environment is a bonus.

Investing in B2B future systems

Green Waves is now investing in the First Wave X propulsion system developed in Norway.

- First Wave X is targeting B2B and different types of workboats that professional operators need, whether it is for fish farming, taxi boats, harbor vessels or boats for smaller transport and cargo services. We also deliver to the leisure boat market, but currently there is most demand for boats for rental and/or tourism," says Salomonsen.

Salomonsen believes that public actors may become interesting customers in the future, not least because there will be stricter environmental and emission requirements in procurement rounds affecting ports, sustainable tourism and passenger transport. Salomonsen expects that public authorities will eventually purchase only emission-free technology.

In 2023, Green Waves was named a Gazelle company, and CEO Ida Salomonsen has been handpicked for a national entrepreneurial panel, where she regularly meets with Norway's Minister of Economic Affairs.