Boatbuilder/designer Arksen and electric/autonomous propulsion specialist RAD Propulsion have partnered up to jointly develop a “revolutionary class of clean, intelligent and highly proficient marine craft”, the companies state.
The partnership has set itself three key development goals. The first is to realise a rugged inflatable boat featuring RAD Propulsion’s Power console – described as a “fully integrated, cable-free helm system tailored for eco-tourism and cruise operators and defence applications”.
The second goal is to develop a next-gen rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB), optimised for RAD Propulsion’s latest electric drive systems. Thirdly, the partners aim to produce customised and mission-specific autonomous patrol boats and tactical craft, as well as pontoons for the US market.
The intention is to maintain “at least three active development projects at all times, enabling rapid response to market opportunities while keeping capital outlay low”, and to produce boats that can handle tasks ranging “from ocean tourism to tactical operations”, says Arksen founder Jasper Smith.
Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, adds: “The partnership will push the boundaries on what’s possible for electric-powered vessels in remote and challenging environments, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Arksen’s design and market reach, combined with our propulsion and autonomy stack, makes for a powerful offering across the marine landscape.
“Both companies are also committed to ensuring that this collaboration has a lasting positive impact on the environment, aligning with the growing demand for green energy.”
In August, RAD Propulsion announced that it had partnered with Pangolin Photo Safaris, operator of the luxury trimaran ‘houseboat’ Pangolin Voyager. With the capacity to carry 10 guests on wildlife photography tours along Botswana’s Chobe River, the boat incorporates four RAD40 electric drives, rated 40kW apiece, along with two 61kWh batteries and a spread of solar panels. The drives are split two at the front, between the hulls, and two at the back, and the complete electric power package enables a speed of about 2.5knots.
