Boating survey - basis for development in Skagerrak ports
Electrification of the transport sector has now become a matter of course as part of the necessary green transition. The automotive sector has led the way, and now it's time for the marine sector too.
Electric boats represent an important part of the transition towards sustainability in the maritime sector. The traditional use of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, contributes to high levels of air and water pollution, and the engines create noise pollution that disturbs marine life in our waters.
A strong need to reduce the environmental impact of shipping, together with technological advances, is creating new opportunities and trends. Electrification of the transport sector has now become a matter of course as part of the necessary green transition. The automotive sector has led the way and now it is time for the maritime sector to follow suit.
By switching to electric power, the marine industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact while benefiting from technological advances that make electric motors more efficient and reliable than ever before.
Understanding and predicting the growth and development of the electric boat market, as well as identifying trends in recreational boat use, requires a close dialogue with various stakeholders in the boating industry.
Understanding market dynamics is crucial for manufacturers, investors and consumers. An in-depth analysis of the electric boat market involves examining different segments, from small recreational boats to commercial and industrial vessels. Factors influencing growth include technological advances, availability and cost of batteries, and charging infrastructure. By working with boat manufacturers and other stakeholders, we can gain insights that drive innovation and growth.
As part of the go:LEIF project, we are trying to understand how the shift from internal combustion engine boats to electric boats can be supported in different ways. Access to charging facilities is a crucial factor for boat owners to dare the step to electric boats and therefore a priority area for us
Peter Berg, projektledare för go:LEIF.
In 2024, the construction of the charging infrastructure will begin in several partner ports along the Skagerrak coast, but above all we are building knowledge about whether the solutions for boat charging can be scaled up and built in larger numbers in a sustainable way.
Technically, boat charging is very similar to car charging, but in terms of use there are major differences. While cars are used on a daily basis all year round, the season for recreational boats is short and intense. During summer weekends and vacation weeks, charging needs will be high as boats are used a lot, while the rest of the boating season is less intense as boats are often docked during the week and used during weekends. Overall, this means that charging equipment for boats risks having a low utilization rate. We believe in solutions where cars and boats can be charged from the same equipment or where electrical infrastructure can be shared by several actors, such as archipelago traffic, water taxis or boat tourism.
Another important area is to understand how the market for electric boats is growing and developing in the different segments. We also want to understand how leisure boats are used today and what trends there are for tomorrow. In this work, the dialog with boat manufacturers, ports and not least boat owners is important.
Sara Rogerson from RISE, who is leading the project's Knowledge Development work package, explains;
When it comes to boat owners and users of recreational craft, the project has developed a questionnaire with questions. Complementing other studies, this will provide important information for the planning of charging infrastructure deployment, so that we offer the right type of charging, in the right places and at the right pace.
Electric boats represent an important part of the transition towards sustainable shipping, and understanding market growth and recreational boating trends is crucial to shaping the future of the boating industry. By engaging in dialog with boat manufacturers, ports and boat owners, we can create a more sustainable and innovative future for shipping.
We would like to know how you use your boat and what you think about the electrification of recreational craft.
Answer the survey here! It only takes a few minutes and is important to us! Thank you very much!
👉 Swedish survey: https://lnkd.in/e4JaY4Bi
👉 Norwegian survey: https://lnkd.in/eBt-76YR
The survey is carried out by the project go:LEIF, which is co-financed by the EU through Interreg ÖKS. The survey is carried out both in Sweden and in Norway and the answers will form the basis for our work in the project.
