A boon for water and marine ecosystems

As the world seeks sustainable alternatives to reduce climate impact, the electrification of vehicles has become a key part of the transition towards greener transport. But while electric cars have dominated the discussion, a more subtle revolution is taking place on the oceans, lakes and rivers: the electrification of recreational boats and shipping. This transition will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also bring a range of direct benefits to aquatic environments and the aquatic animals that inhabit them.

Reducing pollutant discharges into the aquatic environment

Conventional boat engines, especially those with internal combustion engines powered by gasoline or diesel, release large amounts of pollutants directly into the water. These engines can leak oil, fuel and other chemicals that negatively affect water quality.

Oil pollution: Oil leaks from motorboats form a thin film on the water surface that disrupts the gas exchange between air and water, which can lead to oxygen deficiency in the water. This affects wildlife, especially fish and other organisms that depend on oxygenated water.

Fuel pollution: Petrol and diesel emissions can have toxic effects on marine organisms, especially on larvae and juveniles which are more sensitive to chemicals.

Electric boats completely eliminate these types of pollution, as they do not use fossil fuels. This means that aquatic animals are not exposed to the toxic substances contributed by combustion engines, and the natural aquatic ecosystem remains cleaner and healthier.

Reducing noise pollution and its impact on wildlife

Internal combustion engines are not only polluting but also noisy. Even underwater, sound travels very effectively and the noise from boats can significantly disturb marine wildlife. Many species, such as whales, dolphins, fish and crustaceans, depend on sound to navigate, communicate and hunt. Noise from boats can cause them to simply not be able to communicate as well, disrupting vital functions for the animals.

• Fish and mammal communication: Research has shown that the noise from boats can disrupt communication between animals, which in turn affects their ability to reproduce, forage and avoid predators.
• Stress and escape behaviors: Loud engine noises can also create stress in aquatic animals, leading to escape behaviors that drain their energy and disrupt their natural behaviors.

Research is ongoing to see if electric boats have a better (quieter) sound image than conventional boats. It is clear that electric boats are perceived to make less noise above the water surface but so far there is no evidence that the noise level decreases underwater. A major source of noise below the water surface is the propeller and it makes the same noise regardless of what powers it, electricity or diesel...

However, the research done so far has been carried out on larger types of ships and we currently lack measurement data for smaller types of boats.

Improving water quality and preserving marine ecosystems

Reducing the use of fossil fuels on our waterways also reduces the risk of acidifying effects in water. Acidified aquatic environments can lead to serious problems for both plants and animals. Many organisms, especially corals and shell-building animals, are sensitive to changes in the pH of the water.

By switching to electric boats and ships, we help reduce the fossil fuel footprint and thus improve water quality. This particularly benefits marine ecosystems that are already under pressure from other human activities, such as overfishing and climate change.

Reducing carbon emissions affects oceans globally

Although CO2 emissions are not directly released into the water, global warming and rising CO2 levels affect the health of the oceans. When we burn fossil fuels, such as in conventional boat engines, we contribute to global warming, which in turn affects the oceans in several ways:

• Increased ocean acidification: When carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, carbonic acid is formed, leading to acidification. This particularly affects coral reefs and organisms with calcareous shells, such as mussels and plankton.
• Rising ocean temperatures: Global warming is leading to rising ocean temperatures, stressing ecosystems and forcing species to migrate or adapt. Coral bleaching, for example, is a direct consequence of temperature increases.

Electrification of shipping reduces CO2 emissions, which is an important step towards mitigating these global impacts and protecting marine ecosystems from further damage.

Sustainable tourism and recreation