Good flow on Enjoy the Silence

Last weekend saw the staging of Enjoy the Silence, an electric boat show that clearly demonstrated that the transition to fossil-free boating is already well underway. Over three intense days, industry players, decision-makers, and the general public gathered to learn about the solutions of the future for electric boating—with visitors showing considerable interest.

A total of 15 different types of electric boats were on display, ranging from work boats to converted private speedboats and sailboats. Visitors had the opportunity to experience the technology up close through test drives that took place continuously throughout the fair. Electric surfboards were also on site, contributing to the breadth of the offering and demonstrating how electrification is taking shape across the entire marine segment.

A constant stream of visitors participated in the test drives during all three days.

The fair concluded on Monday with a conference on the future of boating, where all relevant stakeholders gathered to network and discuss the opportunities and challenges of the transition.

Representatives from the following organizations were present:

• municipalities and ports
• charging operators
• boat manufacturer
• manufacturer of electric powertrains
• providers of charging solutions and payment solutions

The conference highlighted good examples from Swedish ports, as well as several successful European initiatives, which created a clear picture that development is already underway – and that Sweden is well positioned to take a leading role.

Strengthened Nordic network

On Sunday evening, a voluntary dinner was arranged to further strengthen the Nordic electric boat network that has been built up within the goLEIF project. More than 20 stakeholders participated, which contributed to deeper relationships, exchange of experiences, and new opportunities for cooperation across national borders.

Charging that worked in practice

Throughout the fair, EpSpot and Elbjörn managed the charging of all 15 electric boats. Even though the boats were continuously running test trips for three days, the charging worked without any problems – clear proof that the technology is already mature and reliable.

What have we learned?

Enjoy the Silence provided several important insights for the continued development of electric boating:

• There is considerable interest in electric boats.
• Charging works well even with today's solutions – the technology is already here.
• The transition requires cooperation between different types of actors.
• There is strong commitment to a Nordic electric boat network.
• There is already a string of fast chargers along the Swedish west coast.
• There are many good examples along the Bohus coast and around Europe to learn from.
• Keeping 15 boats in continuous operation with functioning charging for three days clearly demonstrated that the solutions are in place.

Enjoy the Silence thus became not just a trade fair, but concrete proof that sustainable boating is already possible through collaboration, technology, and a shared desire for change.

International interest

The fair took place at the same time as the global electrification fair EVS38 and was a nice complement to the content of the Swedish fair during the weekend. We also had a visit from a prestigious FORBES journalist, which resulted in an article.