Despite the heavy presence of industrial-scale players and complex propulsion platforms for tankers, ferries, and container ships, one theme emerged with clarity: scalable hybrid and electric solutions are now filtering into the recreational boating world. That shift is highly relevant to New Zealand, where high-performance leisure craft and coastal ferries are central to the boating landscape.
The Kiwi connection: HamiltonJet takes the stage
HamiltonJet, New Zealand’s most prominent marine propulsion manufacturer, had a clear and confident presence on the expo floor. Known globally for their high-performance waterjets, the Christchurch-based company is pushing hard into hybrid integration. Their LTX series waterjets—designed for lower-speed, high-efficiency operations—were centrepiece to discussions on hybrid vessels designed for port operations and passenger transit.
What stood out is how HamiltonJet is positioning itself not just as a propulsion company, but as a systems integrator. Their pitch in Amsterdam wasn’t limited to showcasing hardware; they’re offering hybrid-ready architecture that pairs with battery banks, gensets, and electronic controls—precisely the sort of modular approach that fits with New Zealand’s push toward more sustainable local ferries and workboats. With their emphasis on “innovation meeting performance,” they’re not only showcasing cutting-edge tech but also demonstrating leadership among a field of predominantly European giants.
The company’s Facebook feed reinforced this narrative: “From hybrid integration to fully electric systems, we’re here showcasing how innovation meets performance on the water.” For Kiwi readers, it’s a reminder that this global story of electrification has a homegrown chapter.
Not just big ships: what’s relevant for the leisure boat sector
While the mega-trends in shipping dominate the expo’s tone—megawatt-scale battery banks, ammonia cracking, port charging—the conference also made space for leisure and smaller vessel applications. Panels covering battery sizing for yachts, compact DC grids, and new modular propulsion systems point to the growing maturity of electric boating beyond ferries and workboats.
Particularly relevant for the New Zealand leisure sector:
- EPTechnologies’ electric saildrive and integrated battery management solutions were shortlisted for propulsion innovation awards.
- Millikan Boats’ M9, a sleek electric leisure craft, competed in the “Environmental Achievement – Vessel Design” category.
- Greenline Marine’s charge barge concept hints at future mobile recharging solutions that could easily suit Kiwi marina developments.
Additionally, initiatives like Barcelona Capital Nàutica’s strategic pivot to electric leisure craft manufacture show that electric isn’t just for ports—it’s coming for the bays, rivers, and inlets too.
Hydrogen, fuel cells, and reality checks
Hydrogen also got a strong spotlight this year. Genevos presented upgraded fuel cell stacks designed for chase boats in the America’s Cup—an example with direct ties to Emirates Team New Zealand’s own hydrogen ambitions. But while the technology impresses, many presenters, including battery manufacturer SEAM and fuel cell supplier Freudenberg, cautioned against silver-bullet thinking. One masterclass examined how battery-fuel cell hybridisation must be precisely tuned to vessel profiles—a nuance critical for the diverse use cases seen in New Zealand boating.
For recreational boaters, this means batteries remain the most practical and efficient entry point into electric propulsion, while hydrogen may find its place in future commercial or expedition-level vessels.
Data, investment, and strategic signals
Beyond technology, the conference’s discussions revealed growing maturity in how electrification is being measured and funded. The launch of the Global Alliance for Maritime Electrification (GAME) and the Electric Maritime Market Indicators (EMMI) initiative both aim to improve transparency around progress and investment.
Private equity panels, too, highlighted how capital is now targeting scalable solutions in the leisure boat sector, particularly systems that can be retrofitted or adapted to existing hulls—a potential growth area in New Zealand’s ageing but well-loved fleet.
Where to next for New Zealand boating?
The takeaways from Amsterdam are layered. Yes, big ships and shore-power systems dominate the agenda. But beneath that scale lies a bubbling current of smaller, smarter, lighter systems—precisely the type of technology that’s now ready to power Kiwi trailer boats, coastal cruisers, and harbour ferries.
With HamiltonJet leading by example and international suppliers refining their offerings for smaller craft, the stage is set. The question now isn’t if New Zealand’s leisure boating sector will electrify—it’s how quickly we adopt and adapt.
