Electric boats have their own space in Barcelona. Genoa deserves one as well.
In Barcelona, the maritime fair dedicated an area to electric propulsion. The Innovation Dock is a limited space with few exhibitors, but it sends a strong message: the energy transition is no longer a peripheral issue; it is an integral part of future maritime industry. Why not do the same at the Genoa Show, which is one of the most important international events in this sector?
The Innovation Dock for Electric Propulsion
The new area at the Barcelona International Boat Show dedicated to electric marine vessels, located at Moll de la Fusta, represents both a symbolic and tangible step forward. The organizers made this clear during the presentation: “Electrification is no longer an experiment—it is the future of maritime transport. Reducing emissions and noise at sea is a genuine necessity, not just a promise for the future. Finnish, French, Italian, and Singaporean brands—Elvene Boats, Sea‑NXT, Momentum Electric Marine, Boatee, and Mooring Solution—show that this type of navigation is already a reality, with practical range and performance. Designating a specific area for this transition confirms that the Boat Show is at the forefront of this change, not just a passive observer, and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability—a commitment it has upheld for over a decade.”
A strong message, even though there are still few exhibitors. Innovation Dock remains a limited area, but the signal is clear: electric transition deserves a dedicated, recognizable, and visible space. Barcelona has decided to provide that...
Electric boats spark interest
The event saw strong interest, as Italian entrepreneur Cesare Malesca, CEO of Boatee, told Vaielettrico: “Participation exceeded expectations. We saw many interesting electric solutions, including those related to self-generated energy.” This shows that the public, industry players, and shipbuilders are seeking immediate and reliable answers for the transition.
Among the companies that attracted the most attention was AMY, with an electric boat powered by solar energy, designed to operate independently without external power. At 6.5 meters long, capable of reaching speeds of 30 knots, and equipped with a motor up to 50 kW, it represents one of the most advanced solutions in the field of solar propulsion. We wrote about it months ago (read here).
Next to it, Momentum Electric Marine presented the Momentum U‑2 outboard motor, a lightweight and portable engine designed for tenders, sailboats, and small work boats. With a power output of 2.5 kW, a total weight of 17 kg, and a range of up to 9.7 hours at 3 knots, the U‑2 model offers a versatile solution for electric micro-mobility.
Ferrari Hypersail equipped with three wind turbines and 100 meters of panels
Naturally, Boatee is also included with the Smart 1.3, an outboard motor of 1.3 kW powered by an integrated or external lithium battery. At just 6 kg in total, it is one of the most manageable engines in its class, designed for those seeking simple, immediate electrification without complex installations.
Why not do it in Genoa? Venice is already trying.
Creating a dedicated section for electric propulsion is not simple: many manufacturers offer both thermal engines and battery-powered solutions, and in an era of transition, the boundary between them is not always clear. Yet precisely for this reason, dedicating a separate space to electric propulsion would be a sign of modernity and foresight. This year in Genoa, we saw two interesting initiatives: ePropulsion/Selva and Yamaha/Torqeedo made boats available for testing zero-emission navigation. It’s a step forward, certainly, but still insufficient. A small area entirely dedicated to electric boats would be truly useful—after all, each edition turns into a treasure hunt to find shipyards and manufacturers working on the transition.
In Venice, at a smaller trade show, there is already an area dedicated to green navigation. This is a clear signal aimed at both visitors and industry professionals. Genoa, with its media influence and central role in Italian maritime affairs, cannot stay behind: an electric zone would not only be a symbolic gesture but also a concrete way to show that the transition is underway and that the trade show aims to lead it.
READ ALSO: What we saw at the Genoa Trade Show and watch the VIDEO
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