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Electric boating in Amsterdam

Electric boating in Amsterdam

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.

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E-WERF Amsterdam | your partner for electrical marine installations in commercial shipping

E-WERF Amsterdam | your partner for electrical marine installations in commercial shipping

Electric marine installations in commercial shipping

E-WERF is a shipyard on Amsterdam's Nieuwe Meer lake, specialising in electric and hybrid drives. Since our start in 2016, we have electrified over four hundred boats in the private segment. We have also been active in commercial shipping for some time now, where we have also been carrying out projects according to ES-TRIN guidelines for about two years.

Our work includes:

  • maintenance and servicing of electrical installations;
  • troubleshooting;
  • Conversion from diesel to electric, including guidance from design to implementation;
  • completion of airframes;
  • development and construction of new ships.

Maintenance and servicing of electrical installations

Proper maintenance prevents breakdowns. At E-WERF, we carry out thorough servicing of electric and hybrid installations for commercial vessels. We check systems for wear and tear, replace components where necessary and keep installations in top condition. Through regular inspection, we extend the life of your installation and prevent costly downtime. Everything is done quickly, professionally and to the highest quality standards. We can also carry out painting and carpentry work on your vessel.

Troubleshooting, on site or at our yard

A breakdown can happen unexpectedly. We make sure you can sail again quickly. In the Amsterdam region, we always try to solve a breakdown on-site as quickly as possible. Thanks to remote monitoring, we can even identify and supervise some breakdowns remotely. Our goal: minimum downtime, maximum reliability.

Conversion from diesel to electric (according to ES-TRIN)

E-WERF specialises in making commercial vessels fully electric. We take care of the entire process: from technical design to installation, testing and certification. Each installation is custom-designed, tailored to the vessel's usage profile and always according to ES-TRIN standards. You will receive expert guidance and clear communication at every stage of the project. We deliver proven quality, with short lead times and full project control.

New construction and completion of airframes

Whether it is the finishing of a hull or the construction of a new electric ship, we deliver customised work with an eye for detail. We build ships completely in-house, from installation work to carpentry finishing. For new construction projects, we integrate electrical systems from the design phase, tailored to your requirements and sailing goals. We ensure that everything, from power supply to on-board equipment, works seamlessly together. Executed efficiently, without compromising on craftsmanship or reliability.

At our yard on Nieuwe Meer, we can hoist ships of up to six tonnes and ramp them up to 3.5 metres wide. The maximum length at this location is 14 metres. For larger ships, we have fall-back locations in the area and can also work on site at other shipyards. We notice that many shipowners already know us from the private market, but do not yet know that we also work for commercial shipping. We therefore like to make ourselves known to you. You are more than welcome to visit us at the shipyard, but if you wish, we are also happy to visit you to introduce ourselves.

We hope to speak to you soon. Olivier Venema | E-WERF Amsterdam

+31 6 54 713 421

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Victron Energy praises E-WERF in international blog post

Victron Energy praises E-WERF in international blog post

Proud news! In an extensive article on their global blog, they put Victron Energy, leading provider of electrical energy solutions, spotlights E-WERF. In the blog Whisper Quiet Cruising Victron describes how E-WERF realises top-level electric drives - quiet, powerful and fully customised

Whisper quiet cruising

The Diesel to Electric Transformation

When we were designing the Boat Page on our GX touch screen displays we received generous help from Olivier Venema, founder of E-WERF - the Dutch specialist in water craft electric propulsion systems. The GX Boat Page is a dedicated display designed for electric or hybrid boats showing battery, engine RPM, and electric drive information all in one place.

We got to know Olivier well, and to admire the work he does, so this week we'd like to share with you some of the expertise he has acquired during more than 350 boat conversions from Diesel to Electric propulsion.

Over to Olivier...!

Electric propulsion systems for private craft

"...Our interest in electric boating began in 2014 when we restored our very first lifeboat. We rebuilt her from the hull up and didn't want to put a diesel engine back in.

Around that time the first consumer-grade electric motors were becoming available. Before then only industrial motors for working craft were manufactured - but demand from private boat owners saw the development of compact, reliable and affordable electric propulsion drives.

On her maiden voyage it immediately became clear that electric propulsion would one day become the new standard for sloops. It felt like an evolution. From that conviction E-WERF was born to help boat owners convert their vessel from diesel to electric power.

Gentleman's launch - Intermezzo

What happens during conversion?

Here's a simple outline of the process: The boat is lifted from the water and the entire diesel system, including engine, fuel tanks, starter batteries, exhaust and associated piping, is removed. We then install a purpose-built electric propulsion system: a light, powerful electric motor; an energy-dense lithium battery bank; and a tailored charging and inverter setup. All 12 V and 24 V onboard circuits - and 230 V circuits where required - are integrated so that lighting, pumps and appliances continue to work exactly as before. Cooling is handled with a heat-exchanger system, often making use of the boat's existing seawater intake or repurposing the former exhaust outlet. Depending on the project, we also use direct raw-water cooling or throat cooling, and for relatively small motors air cooling is sometimes the preferred method. After careful testing and calibration, the boat is relaunched as a quiet, clean, and highly responsive electric craft.

 

E-WERF

Since those beginnings we have converted or re-equipped almost four hundred boats with new electrical systems, ranging from small sloops of around 7 metres (23 feet) and modest displacement to large sailing yachts up to around 18 metres (60 feet). We provide everything: shore power connections, electric propulsion and battery banks, right through to complete integrations with onboard electrical and control systems. During each project we aim for bespoke solutions and top quality, so that after delivery the vessel not only runs perfectly on electric power, but all other onboard systems continue to work exactly as the owner expects.

 

A good example is Donna, an aluminium lifeboat built in 1961 and fully restored in 2025. She once served as a robust postal boat along the Scandinavian coast, but when we found her she was weathered and bare. From the hull up we restored Donna with great care and attention to detail. Old through-hull apertures were permanently welded shut, the hull was coated with epoxy inside and out - to ensure decades of protection - and then she was professionally painted to provide an elegant finish.

The interior was designed to be both practical and beautiful, with mahogany-varnished benches aligned fore-and-aft and made removable so that everything can be taken out within two hours for cleaning, varnishing, or maintenance.

 

Under the deck sits a 10 kW liquid-cooled electric motor from Combi EPS with a heat exchanger. Everything is networked via NMEA2000. We installed an Ekrano GX communication device which has a touch-screen display so that all motor data can be viewed live. The 400 Ah net battery bank provides around ten to twelve hours of trouble-free cruising. The charging and inverter system is a Quattro 48/5000, adjustable via the Ekrano display. Whether the boat is docked at a harbour offering 16A shore power, or plugged into a small household outlet, charging is always possible. This integration of Victron components ensures seamless operation and full on board monitoring - and even remote monitoring using the Victron Remote Management platform -. VRM.

Donna is privately owned and used for family cruising and day trips where her silent running and long range of about ten to twelve hours at typical speeds make her ideal for relaxed outings.

 

Commercial Tour Boat

A completely different project involved a large tour boat operating in Amsterdam. Originally powered by a heavy six-cylinder diesel engine, we removed the diesel and installed a 1500 Ah battery bank together with a 20 kW liquid-cooled electric motor. Charging is provided by three parallel-connected MultiPlus II 5000 units, allowing fast three-phase charging from shore power. It's also possible to charge from a single MultiPlus II unit using a standard household outlet if a three-phase power supply is not available. An Ekrano GX device manages system communication and a 4G/LTE provides engineering access to the set up from anywhere - using VRM.

 

This solution makes powerful, silent, and flexible operation possible even on routes where three-phase shore power cannot be found.

How much does it cost to upgrade to electric propulsion?

From a financial point of view, a smaller electric conversion typically starts around €13,500 (US$16,000) while larger or more complex installations are quoted individually depending on battery size, motor power and onboard integrations. Although an electric installation can be a higher initial investment than a simple diesel swap, the long-term advantages-minimal maintenance, lower running costs, and the ability to enter emission- or noise-restricted waters-make electric propulsion the smart choice for many owners. And above all else, it's so much more relaxing!

Feedback

We are proud to receive customer reviews - such as: "Here they really know what they're doing. The boat and motor are in top condition and the team is always reachable and calls back promptly;" and: "The best products and services come from passionate people. E-WERF is client-focused, hands-on, practical and sticks to budget. Now we cruise the Frisian lakes in complete silence."

 

Our customers value the comfort of silent, vibration-free cruising and the absence of diesel fumes. Many also enjoy freedoms which diesel simply can't offer - from whisper-quiet evening trips through Amsterdam's canals to unrestricted access to protected natural waters and marinas that ban internal-combustion engines.

E-WERF has also played an active role in the development of Victron Energy's Boat Pageavailable on GX communication user-interface displays. We collected and shared market feedback about what boat owners need to see, built test setups, and worked with a range of motor manufacturers to ensure the system displays all the relevant data. In every installation where the motor supplier is Victron-compatible, we make sure the integration is complete and fully functional.

 

A word from Victron Energy

It's a great gift for Victron to have found a partner in E-WERF who has supported our R&D work with dedication and enthusiasm throughout the entire development cycle of this new feature. From the initial concept to gathering requirements and validating the design drafts, E-WERF have supported us with their expertise in electric propulsion. We were also able to benefit from their trade network, which put us in touch with numerous propulsion manufacturers and enabled us to conduct integration tests on real vessels. Their years of experience in the electric boating market and the hands-on mentality of Olivier and his team contributed significantly to the success of the new Boat page and and we look forward to continuing to staying in close contact and learning from their experiences in the field.

Olivier Venema Working at this high-level, both technically and in terms of finish, comes naturally to us. We care about every detail, from the underwater hull to the final cable. And it is especially rewarding to be involved, as a relatively small yard, in the innovation process of a major international company like Victron Energy. That collaboration makes our work not only technically challenging, but also genuinely enjoyable.
Avatar of Justin
By justin
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Why we choose quality at E-WERF

Why we choose quality at E-WERF

Quality is a choice

If you are considering converting your boat to electric boating, you want it done right the first time. No surprises afterwards, no compromises with quality, just a system you can rely on. At E-WERF we understand that. And that is precisely why we do things a little differently.

We notice that more and more providers are entering the market promising electric boating 'fast and cheap'. In itself, there is nothing wrong with that - it makes the threshold for going electric lower, and we only welcome that. But there is also a downside: low prices often go hand in hand with concessions. To the materials used, to the quality of installation, or simply to the time required for proper installation.

At E-WERF, we deliberately choose not to. We work according to professional standards that also apply in commercial shipping. Think ESTRIN, NEN and ISO standards. We incorporate this knowledge and experience in everything we do - also for private customers. Because whether you sail through the canals with your family or transport passengers on a tour boat: safety, reliability and sustainability must always come first.

Our systems are fully plug-and-play, thanks to our proprietary Sailconnect technology. But that doesn't mean we do everything remotely. On the contrary: we take the boat out of the water, inspect the underwater hull, check the propeller and propeller shaft, and seal skin penetrations where necessary. Everything is installed neatly and carefully. We also include the existing 12 V system, so that all functions on board - from lighting to the bilge pump - will work exactly as you are used to after the conversion. Only quieter, cleaner and with much less maintenance.

We are proud that customers appreciate us for our diligence. We are often told that people are surprised by how thoughtfully and neatly everything is finished. And that is quite normal for us. At E-WERF, things are only good when they are really good. No half-measures, no open ends.

And that service does not stop once the boat is back in the water. We remain available for questions, maintenance or expansion. We think along if you want to modify or improve your boat. We don't call that "after-sales", just how we work.

So why are we sometimes more expensive than others? Simple: because we take time for quality. Because we choose materials that can take a beating. Because we build a system that not only works today, but will still be reliable ten years from now. And because we honour our agreements. No surprises later - the amount you agree with us is really the amount you pay.

We believe electric boating is the future. But that future has to be built well. Not with rushed work and minimal installations, but with solutions you can use with confidence on the water. Solutions that suit your boat, your sailing area and your use.

That's why we choose quality at E-WERF. Because, in the end, that's what benefits you most.

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E-WERF and Boat Building at Hiswa te Water 2025

E-WERF and Boat Building at Hiswa te Water 2025

From 3 to 7 September 2025, the Hiswa te Water will take place at the Bataviahaven in Lelystad. This largest in-water boat event in Europe is the place where innovation and craftsmanship come together. E-WERF and Bootombouwen.nl are proud to be present this year with our own stand on the upper quay (KB82). Here we will show how we are shaping the future of boating: electric, hybrid and always with the highest level of finish.

Our strength lies in customisation. We believe there is a suitable solution for every boat - large or small, sloop or yacht, professional vessel or pleasure craft. With over a decade of experience in electric and hybrid boating, and a strong base as a shipyard in Amsterdam, we have built up a proven track record in both private and professional boating. Especially with larger vessels, our expertise comes into its own. We are familiar with complex installations and work to the highest standards, including ES-TRIN, ensuring safety and reliability in commercial shipping too.

During Hiswa te Water, we will introduce our latest innovations. Visitors can get to know the DIY kits with Sailconnect 10 and the brand new Sailconnect 20 - a product launch that further expands the possibilities for electric boating. We combine these kits with high-quality battery systems and motors from renowned brands such as Vetus and Combi EPS. For those looking for flexibility, we show our hybrid solutions, and for owners of smaller vessels we present a compact portable installation which makes electric boating accessible without major interventions.

E-WERF and Bootombouwen.nl distinguish themselves not only through technical know-how, but also through the way we carry out projects. Finishing is our focus: every detail must be right, from wiring to assembly, so that the end result matches the look of the boat seamlessly. Our plug-and-play solutions minimise installation errors and ensure that our customers can take to the water without worries.

We invite all visitors to stop by our stand KB82. Our team will be on hand all week to answer questions and explore together how electric or hybrid sailing can become a reality for your boat too. Whether it is a sloop, a yacht or a professional vessel: we prove that the future of sailing is silent, sustainable and reliable.

Would you like to visit us? We have a limited number of tickets available. Please contact us for details.

Hope to see you next week at the Bataviahaven in Lelystad!

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Choosing an electric boat motor

Choosing an electric boat motor

Choosing an electric boat motor? This is what you need to know about motors and drive systems The switch to electric boating often starts with a simple question: what motor do I need? Whether you own a sloop, sailboat or workboat, a good electric drive makes the difference between relaxed cruising and frustration on the water. More and more people are making targeted searches for terms such as electric boat engine, outboard electric or buy electric motor for boat. Yet such a search often leads to an online shop, while choosing the right bike is tailor-made. In this blog, we explain what to look out for, which brands are relevant, and why professional advice makes all the difference.

Why the right electric motor is important

An electric boat motor should be matched to the type of boat, the cruising area and the use. Those who occasionally cruise around the canals will need something different from someone who regularly takes longer trips or sails on open water. Consider, for example:
  • Power (kW): The bigger your boat, the more power you need.
  • Drive type: Inboard or outboard engine? Each has its advantages.
  • Range: How far do you want to be able to sail without recharging in between?
  • Battery capacity: The engine and battery pack must be well matched.
  • Weight and placement: The engine must fit in your boat and not disturb the balance.
The wrong choice quickly leads to disappointing performance, faster wear and tear or inefficient energy use.

Outboard or inboard electric motor?

Those searching on outboard electric will find numerous models online. These engines are relatively cheap, easy to mount and especially suitable for smaller boats. Think sloops, dinghies and lightweight motorboats. Advantages of an electric outboard motor:
    • Easy mounting
    • Light and compact
    • Often available immediately
Disadvantages:
  • Less power than inboard systems
  • Battery often loose on board
  • Less suitable for heavier boats
For larger boats or more intensive use, a inboard electric motor often the better choice. This motor is built into the hull and connected to a fixed battery pack. The advantage: more powerful, more efficient, and fully integrated into the design of your boat.

Well-known brands in electric drives

At E-WERF, we work with brands that have proven themselves in practice. Brand names you also often see at webshops, but delivered to us with expert installation and guidance:
  • Bellmarine: Dutch manufacturer of powerful and durable inboard engines. Especially popular with larger sloops and motor yachts.
  • Torqeedo: German brand, pioneer in electric outboard engines. Also offers inboard solutions and hybrid systems.
  • Vetus: Wide range of drives, reliable and quiet in operation. Widely used in refits and hybrid installations.
  • Combi EPS: Developed and built entirely in the Netherlands.
These brands deliver excellent products, but the success of your installation depends on the right design ánd the right installation. That is exactly where E-WERF stands out. You can also choose to convert your boat yourself. Check out the ready-made packages on boatbuilding.co.uk

Why choose professional installation?

You can buy a motor loose from a webshop, but those who are going to install it themselves run into some challenges. Think about:
  • Determining the right combination of motor and battery
  • Protection and fusing of the electrical system
  • Balance and weight distribution on board
  • Adjustments to steering and controls
At E-WERF, we always start with an analysis of your boat and boating habits. On that basis, we select the right system, provide professional installation and you can count on support and maintenance. So you can be sure that everything is right.

Searching by electric boat engine? Think wider.

Keywords like buy electric boat motor or electric outboard often take you to a digital shopping basket. But a motor is not an off-the-shelf product - it is part of a complete system. E-WERF's strength lies in the connection between advice, installation and service. We do not deliver a box of parts, but a working system made to measure. Want to know what is possible for your boat? Use our configurator at www.e-werf.nl and get instant insight into the suitable type of motor and battery pack. Or contact us for a personal discussion with one of our specialists. An electric drive is only really smart if everything is right. We make sure it does.
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