Fischer Panda notes move to electric as Bellmarine’s new Paris vessel launches

Following the launch of a new electric boat for the Seine River using a system by its brand Bellmarine, Fischer Panda UK is highlighting its strengthened capabilities to collaborate with boat builders on projects to launch more electric powered vessels onto UK waters.

The company’s reporting an increase in enquiries for electric power solutions as OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and boat owners look to benefit from the low cost and maintenance, high efficiency, silent cruising, and environmentally friendly features of electric drive systems.

As the exclusive UK distributor for Bellmarine, Fischer Panda offers similar systems to the one recently installed on the first of two 8.3m passenger boats to operate in Paris. Suitable for up to 12 people plus the skipper and with an autonomy of 24 hours, the vessel has a Bellmarine / Transfluid electric system with two 15kW SailMasters, which are water-cooled and powered by lithium batteries. The ferry travels in silence at an average speed of 15km/h.

“Everyone is much more aware today of the need to protect the environment surrounding our inland waterways and rivers,” says Chris Fower, director of sales and marketing. “We are seeing a definite increase in interest about our electric and hybrid electric drive systems, both for newly built vessels or retro-fitting. We already work with leading builders such as Elton Moss and we are keen to work with more OEMs to use our experience and full system capabilities in finding the best solution for each application.”