Aqua superPower partners with Tritium to power electric boats

Marine fast-charging network operator Aqua superPower has partnered with Tritium Holdings, a developer and manufacturer of fast-charging technology for electric vehicles, to deliver the first global fast-charging network for marine vessels.

Aqua superPower says that Tritium’s IP65-rated technology provides a fully sealed, safe, and reliable charge for e-boats. It adds that Tritium’s RTM fast charger model offers twin CCS ports and simultaneous charging capability, enabling boat owners to spend less time charging. More frequent duty cycles made possible by the chargers make e-boat technology both more efficient and more beneficial for the environments in which it is used, says Aqua.

“We elected to work with Tritium for their forward-thinking technology, cutting-edge hardware architecture, and operational cost benefits,” says Aqua Superpower CEO, Alex Bamberg.

“The requirement for a joined-up network of reliable and fast marine chargers to create charging hubs and corridors for electric boat users is absolutely crucial if we are to secure the transition away from liquid carbon fuels. The fully sealed design of Tritium’s DC fast chargers and clarity of the user interface inherently provide the robustness and ease of use needed in the marine and freshwater environment.”

The charging speed provided by DC fast chargers is critical to the growth prospects of the e-boat industry, says the company. 

In November, MDL Marinas partnered with Aqua superPower to install electric boat chargers at five of its marinas, becoming the first UK marina group to offer an electric boat charging solution. 

Aqua superPower has been rolling out its network of marine fast chargers, with recent installations along the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera, another in Venice, and a further 150 chargers planned in the coming 12 months.

“The existing high-profile installations in Monaco, Portofino and Venice, together with other planned Aqua Superpower and Tritium projects around the world, will support the electrification of marine transportation going forward. In the same way that passenger vehicles have reached the tipping point, the future for boating is an electrified fleet,” says Tritium’s CEO, Jane Hunter. “The Aqua team comes with experience in creating fast-charging networks. We are delighted to work with them as a marine channel partner and provide the technology to help them pursue their goal for a dedicated marine fast charge network.”

Tritium’s robust hardware combines with Aqua superPower’s network and user management technology. The marine e-mobility ecosystem requires an easy and reliable user interface providing clear guidance to recharging points if adoption is to become widespread.

The collaboration will expand clean commercial water transport beyond luxury yachts, to ferries, shuttles, and watercraft used for everything from laundry and food delivery to fishing and passenger transport.

Aqua superPower’s network is accessible to marine users via the Aqua secure app, RFID card and contactless payment, with ‘plug and charge’ technology expected to be available in the future. The app will enable users to view a map showing charger options and offer navigational aids to guide them to their chosen location.