The first marine fast charging network operator, Aqua superPower and Tritium, a leading global developer and manufacturer of direct current (DC) fast charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs), have announced a partnership to electrify transportation on global waterways.
Aqua superPower has been rolling out its network of marine fast chargers, with recent installations along the Cote d’Azur, the Italian Riviera and another in Venice. A further 150 chargers are planned for next year with substantial deployment growth to follow.
As the electric mobility revolution continues to take hold on the roads and in the skies, the shift towards electrification is also gathering pace across the marine world.
Aqua superPower supports marinas, boat builders and boat owners in the drive to bring electric power to the water and reduce the impact of boating on marine ecosystems.
As the demand for marine charging infrastructure grows, Aqua is collaborating with Tritium to deliver the first global marine-specialised fast charging network.
Alex Bamberg, Aqua superPower’s CEO, said: “We elected to work with Tritium for their forward-thinking technology, cutting-edge hardware architecture, and operational cost benefits.
“The requirement for a joined-up network of reliable and fast marine chargers to create charging hubs and corridors for electric boat users is absolutely crucial if we are to secure the transition away from liquid carbon fuels.
“The fully sealed design of Tritium’s DC fast chargers and clarity of the user interface inherently provide the robustness and ease of use needed in the marine and freshwater environment.”
The charging speed provided by DC fast chargers is critical to the growth prospects of the electric boat industry. Aqua’s strategy is to supply reliable, high-speed charging to commercial and recreational marine craft users internationally.
Tritium’s IP65-rated technology provides the fully sealed, safe and reliable charge that e-boat drivers need. The company’s RTM fast charger model was an ideal solution for Aqua with its twin CCS ports and simultaneous charging capability, enabling boat owners to spend less time charging.
This is of particular advantage to commercial and working boat owners and operators, as the more frequent duty cycles made possible by the chargers make e-boat technology both more efficient and more beneficial for the environments in which it is used.
Jane Hunter, Tritium’s CEO, said: “The existing high-profile installations in Monaco, Portofino and Venice, together with other planned Aqua superPower and Tritium projects around the world, will support the electrification of marine transportation going forward.
“In the same way that passenger vehicles have reached the tipping point, the future for boating is an electrified fleet. The Aqua team comes with experience in creating fast charging networks.
“We are delighted to work with them as a marine channel partner and provide the technology to help them pursue their goal for a dedicated marine fast charge network.”
Tritium’s robust, sealed-against-the-elements hardware combines seamlessly with Aqua superPower’s network and user management technology. The marine emobility ecosystem requires an easy and reliable user interface providing clear guidance to recharging points if adoption is to become widespread.
Aqua superPower’s network is accessible to marine users via the Aqua secure app, RFID card and contactless payment, with ‘Plug and Charge’ technology expected to be available in the future.
The app will enable users to view a map showing charger options and offer navigational aids to guide them to their chosen location.
Aqua’s adoption of Tritium’s technology will promote its mission to reduce the impact of boating on the marine environment by developing an all-electric and integrated global ecosystem of marine fast chargers.
The collaboration will expand clean commercial water transport beyond luxury yachts, to ferries, shuttles, and watercraft used for everything from laundry and food delivery to fishing and passenger transport.
