Environmentally friendly solutions are in increasing demand in various fields - and traffic is no different. Electric-powered solutions are entering the market in increasing numbers for cars, bikes, planes - and also boats.
Major boatbuilders are also joining the electrification trend. Electric models on the boat market fall into two categories:
- E-boat models where electric propulsion has been taken into consideration and implemented already in the boat’s original design
- Boat models where the electric propulsion alternative is offered as an option instead of diesel
Oceanvolt’s current market position
Currently, electric propulsion still holds only a small slice of the global recreational boating market. In 2020, we estimate that the potential global market for electric propulsion is approximately 400M€ per year. Within the sector, Oceanvolt is often seen on par with two other manufacturers, Torqeedo and Bellmarine.
Traditional diesel engines still remain the biggest competitor to Oceanvolt even over other electric motor manufacturers. The market is, however, undergoing a major change: combustion engines are experiencing a downturn in popularity, while electric motors are on the rise.
Geographically, Oceanvolt’s key markets have remained the same for the last two years. The company’s key markets across the world are as follows:
- The Nordics: Finland, Sweden and Norway
- Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy
- North America: the United States & the Caribbean region
- Africa, Australia & Oceania: South Africa, Australia and New Zealand
Oceanvolt offers its products through several boat builders, such as Grand Large Yachting Group, ITA Catamarans, Spirit Yachts, Arcona Yachts, Q Yachts, Schionning Designs, Salona Yachts, Elan and J/Boats.
Patents and IPR
Oceanvolt sets itself apart from its competitors through its key technologies. To secure and maintain this competitive edge, Oceanvolt has secured its intellectual property rights and holds eight patents in strategically selected geographical areas. These areas are the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Finland.
The company holds patents on, among other technologies, for its ServoProp variable pitch saildrive technology, the cooling element for the AXC motor, and a vibration-reducing mounting method for the Oceanvolt motors. In addition, Oceanvolt has full ownership (3D pictures, 2D drawings and work pictures) for all the main components of the propulsion system, throttle levers and displays.
Oceanvolt’s product lines
Oceanvolt’s clean electric power & propulsion systems cater for many different use cases from daysailers to cruising monohulls, racing catamarans and non-planing motor boats. This diversity gives us a good position in the market.
Oceanvolt ServoProp – Award winning variable pitch sail drive
The patented Oceanvolt ServoProp variable pitch sail drive combines a high efficiency sail drive with the most powerful hydro generation on the market. ServoProp’s unique feature is the possibility to turn the propeller blades more than 180 degrees.
The software-controlled variable pitch sail drive adjusts the pitch of the propeller blades automatically. This means that the power generation and power output are optimal. Combined with uniquely designed blades, it delivers optimal efficiency in both forward, reverse, and hydro generation mode. And with the blades set to neutral sailing position, the propeller creates extremely low drag similar to the drag of a feathering propeller.
A normal fixed propeller does not by nature have the blades ideally shaped for hydro generation and generates less than half of the power of ServoProp at a given boat speed. ServoProp can generate more than 1 kW at 7–8 knots and 3 kW at 11–12 knots. The generated power can be used to power both the propulsion system as well as all the electronics on board without a need for a separate generator. With this in mind, we can start to talk about the possibility of a completely self-sufficient cruiser.
The ServoProp is suitable as a propulsion motor for monohulls up to 50 ft and multihulls up to 60 ft. It can also be used as a hydro generator in boats up to 100 ft.
Oceanvolt AXC – Modular shaft drive motor systems
The Oceanvolt AXC series provides higher performance, greater durability and more comfort than ever before. The Oceanvolt AXC series is a modular system available in four power configurations: 10 kW, 20 kW, 30 kW, and 40 kW. The most powerful configuration provides power to the equivalent of up to 100 hp.
The motors have been designed for the benefit of customers operating larger, heavier displacement boats including charter catamarans, non-planing motorboats, heavy duty commercial boats, and small passenger ferries.
Oceanvolt SD & AX
In addition to the above-mentioned motor series, Oceanvolt also has two other more basic product lines to cater the smaller size range of boats.
The Oceanvolt SD sail drives have a power range between 6 kW to 15 kW. The SD motors are specially designed for folding propellers. They feature a patented mounting method which reduces vibrations and can be installed directly onto existing Volvo Penta and Yanmar mounting beds. This makes retrofitting the motors as simple as possible and increases the potential market size for these motors. This video presents the easy installation and features of the SD unit in comparison to a similar diesel engine boat.
The Oceanvolt AX series of shaft drive motors (3–8 kW) are compact, easy to install and maintain, and perfect for daysailers, small cruisers, and multihulls or racing boats.
Oceanvolt USA
On the North American and Caribbean markets, Oceanvolt operates through its subsidiary, Oceanvolt USA.
In September 2019, Oceanvolt USA welcomed Derek Rupe as its new CEO. Rupe has brought new energy into the subsidiary: sales have picked up and by June 30th 2020 we have closed revenue of worth approx. $230k.
With this fresh start and Derek’s leadership, Oceanvolt expects its US subsidiary to have turned a corner and sees a positive growth trend on the market.
Competition & Positioning on the market
Oceanvolt differentiates itself from other electric propulsion companies through two main USP’s: Oceanvolt’s patented hydrogeneration feature (i.e., manufacturing electricity whilst sailing) and the use of safe 48V instead of high voltage. Oceanvolt’s devoted and high-quality customer service sets it apart from many competitors.
Oceanvolt has made the strategic choice of manufacturing motors with a maximum voltage of 48V. In sailboats, this translates to a 30-60 feet size range that can be powered by Oceanvolt motors. While there would be the potential for a larger market in crossing this limit, such a shift would require Oceanvolt to move to high-voltage systems. Therefore, the company has no current plans to move above 48 V motors.
Notable showcases: Conrad Colman, Alex Thomson, Jimmy Cornell & Sailing Uma
Oceanvolt’s systems are part of a newer trend in boating, but that doesn’t mean they have not been tried and tested in rough conditions already. We believe in the product we make and welcome a real test. Oceanvolt wants to see our systems challenged in demanding conditions, in the hands of top yachtsmen and -women.
- In 2016, the Kiwi yachtsman Conrad Colman circumnavigated the globe in the Vendee Globe race with Oceanvolt’s system - without a drop of fossil fuel.
- The Vendee Globe 2020 race in November will see Alex Thomson sail around the globe powered by an Oceanvolt AXC system. Thomson is the #1 favorite to win the race, which will be followed by millions of sailing enthusiasts around the world.
- A sailing legend and author of the international best-seller World Cruising Routes, Jimmy Cornell, chose Oceanvolt to power his Outremer catamaran for his EL.CA.NO! circumnavigation. EL.CA.NO! will see Cornell trace the voyage of history’s first circumnavigation from 1519 to 1522 by Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano.
- In April 2020 Sailing Uma, a popular sailing couple on Youtube with over 180k followers, installed a used Oceanvolt system in their sailboat. The four videos published about the refit installation have gained over one million views to date.
Oceanvolt has also garnered a great deal of attention from the media. In 2020, the company has been or will be featured in a number of publications across the world, most notable of these being Yachting World, SAIL Magazine, Lonely Planet, IBI News, Yachts & Yachting and Float Magazin. In total, we estimate the media Oceanvolt has been or will be covered in this year reaches over 3 million readers, many of which will be sailing enthusiasts, a key audience and potential buyers for Oceanvolt systems.
