Electric propulsion systems
Motor selection and sizing for your vessel's speed, load and duty cycle, using electric outboards, inboard motors or pod drives as the vessel requires.
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VesselRetrofit
Electric propulsion retrofit for existing vessels
- Lower local emissions
- Quieter, smoother operation
- No onboard fuel handling for propulsion
- Simpler propulsion machinery
- Keep the hull you have
What's Included
How we deliver Vessel Retrofit
Replace diesel or petrol propulsion with clean, quiet electric power, engineered for your vessel. Many working and passenger vessels have years of service left in the hull while the engine, noise and fuel handling hold them back. We look at how your vessel actually operates, then design the motor, battery, electrical system and charging to match — and we tell you plainly if a vessel or route is not a good fit. Running costs depend on your fuel, electricity price, route and duty cycle, so we estimate them from your own data rather than quoting a standard saving.
Battery and energy storage
Marine battery and BESS selection and sizing, with Battery Management System integration, matched to your route and operating hours.
Hybrid and multi-energy integration
Battery-electric, solar-assisted or hybrid arrangements, with a generator or engine as backup where a route demands it.
Electrical and control integration
Cabling, protection, power distribution, throttle and monitoring interfaces designed as one safe, coordinated system.
Charging system engineering
Shore or jetty charging designed around your berth, your schedule and the charging power your site can supply.
System design and engineering
Electrical and mechanical design, including layout, weight and stability review, for a clean installation.
Testing, commissioning and support
Harbour and water trials, handover and support after the vessel returns to service.
Electric propulsion retrofit
Why retrofit to electric propulsion?
Lower local emissions
No engine exhaust on the water during electric operation. Emissions over the full life cycle depend on how the charging electricity is generated.
Quieter, smoother operation
Less noise and vibration for passengers, crew and the waterway around you.
No onboard fuel handling for propulsion
Less fuel storage, refuelling and spill risk to manage.
Simpler propulsion machinery
An electric motor replaces the engine and its fuel and exhaust systems. Routine care is still needed for the motor, drive, battery and cooling.
Keep the hull you have
Retrofit lets you upgrade a proven vessel instead of replacing it.
Running costs depend on your operation
Fuel, electricity price, route and duty cycle all matter, so we estimate them from your own data rather than quoting a standard saving.
Our Process
How it works
01
Feasibility assessment
Hull and dimensions, current propulsion, route, speed, daily hours and berth facilities.
02
Propulsion and energy sizing
We calculate the power and battery capacity your operation needs and agree the configuration with you.
03
System design
Single-line diagram, equipment layout, weight and stability review, and a plan for required approvals.
04
Equipment selection and supply
Motor, battery, controls and charging equipment selected to the design.
05
Installation
Removal of the old propulsion and installation of the new system in a coordinated sequence.
06
Testing and commissioning
System checks, then harbour and water trials, to confirm the vessel performs as designed.
07
Handover and support
Operator briefing and support after the vessel returns to service.
Where It Fits
Built for these applications
Not every vessel has the same energy demand, so the system is designed from your vessel’s data, not from a fixed package. Small boats, fishing vessels, tourism and leisure craft can use compact systems. Passenger boats, ferries, barges and workboats call for larger battery capacity, modular packs or hybrid arrangements. Our feasibility assessment shows what is practical for your vessel before you commit.
Passenger boats and inland-waterway ferries
Larger battery capacity, modular packs or hybrid arrangements, sized from your vessel's data.
Tourism and leisure boats
Compact systems for quiet, exhaust-free operation on the water.
Fishing boats
Compact systems sized to your route and daily operating hours.
Workboats, utility craft and barges
Larger battery capacity, modular packs or hybrid arrangements where duty demands it.
Small commercial vessels
A system designed from your vessel's data, not a fixed package.
Why choose YESEN Technologies?
System-level engineering
We design the whole propulsion system, not just supply a motor.
Honest assessment
We tell you what is feasible, including when a vessel or route is not suited to battery-only operation.
Motor, battery and charging from one team
Fewer interfaces and clearer responsibility.
Retrofit and engineering experience
Across vessel sizes, from small boats to larger passenger and work vessels.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can my vessel be converted to electric propulsion?
Often, but it depends on the hull, how you operate, and the space and weight available for batteries. A feasibility assessment answers this before you commit to anything.
What information do you need to start?
Vessel type and dimensions, current engine and propulsion details, route and typical daily operation, required speed, passenger or load capacity, and the power available where the vessel berths.
Will an electric vessel match my current speed and range?
Speed and range depend on the motor, battery capacity and how the vessel is used. We size the system to your required operation and tell you honestly where the limits are, rather than quoting figures without your data.
Do I need to replace the whole propulsion system?
It depends on the vessel. The retrofit may replace the engine and keep the existing shaft and propeller, replace an outboard with an electric outboard, or use a new drive. We recommend the approach after the assessment.
How is the vessel charged?
Typically from shore or jetty charging, with charging power and timing matched to your schedule. Solar can supplement charging where it suits the vessel and route.
What if my route is too long for batteries alone?
A hybrid arrangement, with batteries plus a generator or engine as backup, can extend range. We compare the options with you.
Are approvals needed?
Vessels often need approval from the relevant class society, registry or authority after a propulsion change. We plan for this in the design stage, and the requirements depend on your vessel and operation.
How long does a retrofit take?
It depends on the vessel and system size. Your proposal includes a programme.
How much will it cost and save?
Cost depends on motor power, battery capacity and installation work. Savings depend on your fuel and electricity costs and how much the vessel runs. We estimate both from your own operating data.
Get in Touch
Interested in Vessel Retrofit?
Tell us a little about your site, vessel or project and our team will get back to you with next steps.