E-Werf is building the future

We are proud to announce that E-WERF has become the official importer and dealer for Helios Marine in the Netherlands. This marks a further expansion of our activities. In addition to electrifying existing boats, we can now also offer our customers a completely new vessel, designed from the drawing board as an electric boat. The first Helios Omega 7.2 has now been ordered and will make its Dutch debut at the upcoming HISWA te Water. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to view the boat in detail, but also to take it for a test sail themselves. The Helios Omega 7.2 is a 7.2-metre day cruiser developed entirely as an electric vessel. Unlike many electric boats, which are derived from an existing fuel-powered model, the Omega has been designed from the ground up as an electric vessel. This is evident in every aspect: the hull shape, the weight distribution, the efficiency and the integration of all systems. The Omega is available with various battery capacities and power outputs, features integrated solar panels and is equipped with Helios Marine Link. This smart platform allows real-time monitoring of, amongst other things, battery status, energy consumption, charging status and various on-board systems, both on board and remotely. For E-WERF, Helios Marine aligns seamlessly with our vision. We believe that electric boating goes beyond just an electric motor. The combination of an efficient hull, high-quality battery technology, smart software and a fully integrated design ensures a boating experience that stands out in terms of comfort, performance and ease of use. At HISWA te Water, we’d be delighted to tell you all about the Helios Omega 7.2. Would you like to experience for yourself how this electric day cruiser handles? Then you’re very welcome to come along for a test sail.

E-WERF visits the Venice Boat Show The whole E-WERF team travelled to Venice for an inspiring visit to the Salone Nautico. It was a special trip, partly because we collaborate with a boat builder from this region. We designed the complete electric propulsion system for this shipyard and supplied it as a plug-and-play solution. During the exhibition, we test-sailed a large number of electric boats and propulsion systems. What immediately struck us was how rapidly developments are currently unfolding. Electric boating is no longer limited to calm inland waters. Increasingly mature, reliable and practical solutions are also becoming available for coastal waters, high-speed applications and high-voltage systems. It was also clear that sustainability is playing an ever-greater role within the water sports sector. The proportion of electric and hybrid boats at the exhibition is growing every year. This year, too, there were more electric boats moored at the jetties than at the previous edition, and a special exhibition area had been set up for electric and sustainable boating. The absolute highlight of our visit was the e-regatta. Together with all the electric boats at the show, we sailed in a parade along the Grand Canal, right through the heart of Venice. This attracted a lot of attention along the quays, and it was remarkable to see how much interest there is in emission-free boating. For us, it was a unique experience and a wonderful showcase for the future of sustainable boating. For E-WERF, the visit to Venice was not only educational and inspiring, but also a confirmation that electric boating is gaining momentum internationally. The technology is improving, the applications are broadening and acceptance is growing. It is encouraging to see that the developments we work on every day are now becoming visible on the water worldwide.

Electric marine installations in commercial shipping

Electric boating in Amsterdam: obligation, costs and charging options

In Amsterdam, interest in electric boating is growing rapidly. The city is investing heavily in a cleaner and quieter living environment and is therefore making clear choices for the future. Many water sports enthusiasts are wondering what this means in concrete terms: from when will electric boating become compulsory, in which zones will the rules apply, what will a conversion to electric cost and where will you be able to recharge? In this article, we clearly list the main points and help you on your way to emission-free boating.

When will electric boating become mandatory in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam will introduce an emission-free zone for pleasure boats in the city centre from 1 April 2025. This means that boats running on combustion engines will then no longer be welcome within the designated area. Only boats that are fully electric, use hydrogen or run on muscle power will then be allowed to enter the city centre. Most of the city centre, including the waters within the Singelgracht, is expected to fall within this zone.

For owners who still have an older vignette, there is a limited transition period. However, that too will expire soon. Those who want to continue sailing in the centre of Amsterdam would be wise to take timely action. Moreover, around 2030, the emission-free obligation will extend to the entire Amsterdam metropolitan area. This will make electric boating the standard for all types of vessels, from small sloops and sailing yachts to larger motorboats and tour boats.

For many boat owners, this means that opting for electric boating is not only sustainable and comfortable, but also necessary to maintain access to Amsterdam's waters in the future.

What does converting your boat to electric cost?

The cost of a conversion varies greatly depending on the type of boat, the desired range and the configuration of engine and battery. A smaller sloop of six to eight metres can in many cases be converted for sums starting at around ten to eighteen thousand euros. Larger sloops of eight to ten metres often fall into the fifteen to twenty-five thousand euro category.

Sailing yachts between six and 12 metres usually have a wider range, often between 12 and 30 thousand euros, depending on the space available and the desired motoring time. For motor boats of ten to twelve metres, the investment is higher; amounts between twenty-five and forty-five thousand euros are common. Larger vessels, such as canal boats, require heavier drivelines and larger battery packs. For these, costs often start at around forty thousand euros and can rise well above one hundred thousand euros.

The final price is mainly determined by the size of the battery pack, the engine needed, the existing condition of the vessel and any work on the technology on board. Customisation plays a major role here. Consider adjusting the propeller shaft, integrating a new 48V system or replacing a lead-acid household bank with lithium. Although an electric conversion is an investment, you benefit from much lower running costs, silence on board and a future-proof installation.

Those who want to know what is possible for their boat can have a technical assessment carried out. An inspection gives quick insight into costs, parts needed and the most suitable configuration. Rather convert it yourself? Take a look at Boatbuilding.co.uk for the options.

You can also our configurator use to estimate the cost of a conversion to an electric drive.

Where can you charge electrically in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is working hard to expand its charging infrastructure for electric boating. Currently, charging points are available in marinas and at several locations along the water, and this number is growing rapidly. In the coming years, hundreds of new charging points will be installed, ranging from standard shore power to special charging columns for maritime use.

See the municipality's website for an up-to-date overview.

Many marinas already have reliable shore power facilities. For many boat owners with removable batteries, it is even possible to charge at home with a suitable charger on a regular socket. This is especially true for smaller sloops and sailboats sailing with a relatively compact battery pack.

Larger systems require heavier charging points. These are increasingly becoming available at ports responding to the demand for electric boating. New charging facilities are also being developed at strategic locations along canals and shipping routes. As a result, you can increasingly count on a stable network of charging points in the city.

Those wishing to go electric would do well to check what options are available at their own port or berth. Many ports are currently expanding their facilities, often in cooperation with marine installers. Electric charging is expected to become as natural as charging an electric car.

Ready to make the switch to electric boating in Amsterdam?

Electric boating is fast becoming the new norm in Amsterdam. The combination of regulations, better technology, lower maintenance costs and more charging options makes the switch increasingly attractive. For those who want to keep an existing boat, conversion offers a sustainable and future-proof solution. A first step is always good technical advice and a clear quotation, so you know exactly what to expect.

Electric boating means quiet trips through the city, no emissions, less maintenance and the certainty of continued access to Amsterdam's waters. Those who start orientating early will benefit from the best side of electric boating.