Charter

World’s First Electric Charter Fleet to Launch

The Greenline 39 will be the largest all-electrically powered boat in the charter fleet.

Greenline Yachts has partnered with Canal Boats Telemark AS in Norway, W-Yachts and electric engine manufacturer Torqeedo to create the “first 100% electric charter fleet in the world.”

Brand New Boats

As reported by International Boating Industry, Canal Boats Telemark will operate six new Greenline models, two 33s and four 39s, from a home base in southern Norway. All the boats will be powered by Greenline’s EDrive propulsion system that was launched in Düsseldorf in 2019. The Greenline 33 and 39 can cruise silently and without any emissions at 7 knots with a top speed of 11 knots. Their 80-kWh battery capacity gives the boats a range of 40 nautical miles on a charge.

“We are so excited to see the growing demand of alternative propulsion systems that our boats can provide,” Luca Raumland, Greenline’s head of sales and marketing, said in a statement. “Since the beginning of 2020, we have built more than 60% of our production with either electric or hybrid propulsion and the forecast for 2021 is even higher, which is a positive sign that consumers are opening their minds to more efficient and sustainable ways of powering their boats.”

Greenline’s 33 has already become one of the most popular electrically or hybrid-powered cruisers.

First Charging Network

A grant from Enova SF, which is a subsidiary of the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, will help fund the collaborative effort. Canal Boats Telemark is planning for the Telemark Canal and the surrounding coastline to become the first cruising grounds to have a network of charging points designed for boats. Kandela boats has a similar intent for the Swedish Archipelago launching in 2021.

The Telemark Canal is highlighted in pink on this chart.

Nora Sjögren Johre, CEO of Canal Boats Telemark says he hopes the establishment of the charter service and a charging infrastructure will encourage more people to buy a boat that runs on renewable energy.

“We also believe that the Telemark Canal and the Telemark coastline will become one of the main green destinations in Norway,” he said.

The canal is known for its natural beauty and emissions-free charters seem like a perfect fit.

Added Vladimir Zinchenko, CEO and owner of Greenline Yachts, “We see a very exciting future in sustainable energy on boats and big steps such as this partnership with Canal Boats Telemark bring us a bit closer to emission-free boating.”

The Canal Boats Telemark website is open for booking and the rentals will begin May 2021.