AEOMAR Launches Electric Inboard Drive System for Commercial and Leisure Vessels

AEOMAR now offers a fully electric inboard drive system for shipyards, boat builders and operators. The system combines lightweight axial flux motors, integrated control software and DNV-approved LFP battery technology in one matched package. Its first application is the Maldivia 45 high-speed passenger vessel, and it is available for other new-build projects and conversions.

First application: the Maldivia 45

Most electric boats combine a battery pack with a hull that was originally designed for combustion engines. The Maldivia 45 works the other way round. Its hull was developed from the start for inboard shaft drives. The propellers run in protected tunnels, with a very shallow shaft angle and hydrodynamically optimised shaft brackets, so almost all of the motor's power is turned into forward thrust. Calculations show that this installation needs around 6 percent less propulsive power than outboard engines, and optimised propellers reduce the demand by a further 10 percent. With an electric drive, where every kilowatt-hour counts, this efficiency translates directly into range.

The hull's low weight is just as important. Built from carbon or E-glass epoxy prepreg, the Maldivia 45 weighs 10 to 13 tonnes fully loaded, compared with 21 tonnes or more for conventional ferries of its size. Less weight means less energy per nautical mile, and a battery pack that fits the boat instead of dominating it.

Axial flux motors: compact, light, highly efficient

The system delivers a total output of 160 kW continuous and 300 kW peak power. It uses axial flux electric motors, a technology known from high-performance automotive applications. These motors are much shorter and lighter than conventional radial flux motors of the same power, and they reach a peak efficiency of more than 97 percent. They have very few moving parts, need no oil changes and have no exhaust system, so maintenance is minimal compared with a combustion engine.

Complete system with integrated control

The drive is delivered as a complete, matched package. It includes a vehicle control unit with the control logic and software, motor control units, thrust bearings and an 8-inch display at the helm. The display shows the captain everything relevant at a glance: motor speed, battery status, voltage, state of health and charge cycles, real-time power output including energy recovered while coasting, lever and rudder position, trip and running hours, and all alarms.

Available for other vessels and shipyards

The electric inboard drive system is not limited to the Maldivia 45. AEOMAR supplies it to shipyards, boat builders and operators for new builds and conversions of vessels in the 10 to 20 metre range, depending on weight and speed. Typical applications include:

• Passenger ferries and water taxis for island, lake, river and harbour routes

• Resort and hotel shuttles for guest transfers in sensitive marine environments

• Dive, snorkelling and excursion boats, where silent, emission-free operation improves the guest experience at the site

• Superyacht tenders and chase boats, which need to be quiet and emission-free in anchorages and marinas

• Leisure motor yachts and day cruisers for owners who want electric performance without compromise

• Patrol, police and harbour authority boats for low-noise operation in ports and protected areas

• Work boats and crew transfer vessels for marinas, ports, aquaculture and offshore support

• Research and survey vessels, where the absence of vibration, noise and exhaust improves measurement quality

• Rescue and ambulance boats that need immediate full power and minimal maintenance

The core package includes the motors, motor control units, thrust bearings, vehicle control unit with software, and the helm display. Depending on the project, the battery pack, shaft system, steering and control lever will be specified individually by AEOMAR.

As a naval architecture and design company, AEOMAR supports clients beyond the hardware. We can size the battery for your route and speed, optimise the shaft installation and propellers for your hull, and integrate the system into the vessel's structure and weight budget. The Maldivia 45 shows what this approach achieves: a hull and drive system that work together for maximum efficiency.

DNV-approved LFP batteries for demanding operation

AEOMAR recommends lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with DNV approval. LFP chemistry is inherently far less prone to thermal runaway than conventional lithium-ion (NMC) batteries, and it tolerates high ambient temperatures much better. This makes it the right choice for passenger operations and for use in hot climates, such as the Maldives, where sea water reaches 30 °C. LFP batteries also last longer: they achieve 3,000 to 4,000 full charge cycles, so the pack typically lasts two to three times as long as an NMC battery in commercial service.

Designed for real routes

Most resort transfers in the Maldives cover less than 30 nautical miles, and the same is true for many ferry, shuttle and excursion routes worldwide. AEOMAR configures the battery capacity of each vessel to match the operator's route profile, speed and charging infrastructure, so the boat carries exactly the energy it needs and no unnecessary weight. For operators, this means quiet, vibration-free and emission-free trips, lower energy costs than diesel or petrol, and a vessel that meets growing requirements for sustainable tourism and clean ports.

Available now

The electric inboard drive system can be ordered now for the Maldivia 45 and for other vessels. For the Maldivia 45, AEOMAR is the official sales agent in Europe and the United States. For all other projects, contact AEOMAR directly. We are happy to assess your vessel and calculate range, battery size and operating costs for your application.

Contact AEOMAR for specifications, pricing and delivery times: AEOMAR Ltd  Hans Genthe Main Office: Polis, Cyprus Email: service@aeomar.com  Phone office Cyprus: +357 97 46 69 67 Whatsapp: +49 176 56 34 54 38 Web: www.aeomar.com