Silent Cruise: Transforming Diesel to Electric Drive
The evolution of shipping together with the founder of E-WERF, Olivier Venema, a specialist in electric propulsion systems for watercraft.
Synergy of Development: GX Boat Page and E-WERF
During the development of the Boat Page for GX touch displays, we received significant support from Olivier Venema, the founder of the Dutch company E-WERF.
The GX Boat Page is a specialized interface for electric and hybrid vessels that consolidates data on batteries, engine RPM, and the electric drive in a single place. We were able to appreciate Olivier's professionalism and decided to share his experience, which is based on more than 350 boat conversions from diesel to electricity.
Electric Propulsion Systems for Private Vessels
"...Our interest in electric boats started in 2014 during the restoration of our first lifeboat. We restored it from the bare hull and flat out did not want to put the diesel engine back in. That was just when the first consumer electric motors started to appear."
"Before that, only industrial motors were on the market, but demand from private owners gave impetus to the creation of compact, reliable, and affordable electric drives. That's how E-WERF was born — to help convert vessels from diesel to clean energy."
How Does the Conversion Take Place?
1 The boat is lifted out of the water and the diesel engine is dismantled.
2 Fuel tanks, starter batteries, and exhaust systems are removed.
3 A lightweight, powerful electric motor and a lithium battery are installed.
4 12V, 24V, and 230V circuits are integrated (all pumps and lighting operate just as before).
5 The heat exchanger or keel cooling is set up.
6 Calibration is tested and the boat is launched into the water.
From Classic Launches to Commercial Vessels
Comprehensive Integration
Since its inception, E-WERF has converted nearly four hundred boats, ranging from small 7-meter launches to large sailing yachts up to 18 meters in length. All systems, including shore power connections, electric propulsion systems, and the integration of onboard control systems, are customized individually for flawless operation.
The Story of the Boat "Donna"
The 1961 aluminum lifeboat "Donna" was once a reliable mail vessel off the coast of Scandinavia, but was found in a worn-out state. It was completely restored: old holes in the hull were sealed, and it was coated with epoxy resin and painted for decades of protection.
The interior was thought out to the smallest detail, using mahogany benches that are easily dismantled for maintenance.
Technical Equipment of "Donna"
✔️ 10 kW liquid-cooled Combi EPS electric motor.
✔️ Ekrano GX to display engine data in real time.
✔️ Battery pack of 400 Ah provides 10-12 hours of uninterrupted cruising.
✔️ Charging via a Quattro 48/5000 inverter from a shore power or household outlet.
Commercial Canal Tour Boat in Amsterdam
Another major project is a large tour boat, where a heavy 6-cylinder diesel engine was replaced with a 1500 Ah battery and a 20 kW electric motor. Three parallel-connected MultiPlus II 5000 units provide fast three-phase charging, yet the system is also capable of charging from a standard household outlet via a single MultiPlus II if three-phase power is unavailable. Thanks to a 4G/LTE modem, engineers have remote access to the system via VRM.
How Much Does It Cost to Switch to Electric Propulsion?
A baseline electric conversion for a small boat starts from €13,500 (US$16,000), while larger projects are calculated individually depending on the motor power and battery capacity. Although the initial investment may exceed the cost of a simple diesel replacement, the long-term benefits — minimal maintenance, lower operating costs, zero noise, and access to zones closed to internal combustion engines — make it a smart choice.
Boat Electrification by Total-Energo
Reliable Energy Solutions for Your Vessel
We at Total-Energo LLC are also professionally engaged in the design, selection, and installation of marine electrical systems for boats and yachts of any complexity throughout Ukraine. Do you want to convert your vessel to electric propulsion, provide backup power, integrate solar panels, or simply upgrade old wiring using top-tier equipment from Victron Energy? Contact us, and we will bring your project to life at the highest standard!
