Electrification is starting to transform the vehicles on our roads, which has led marine vehicle makers look to electrify the waterways for leisure and recreational activities. Recreational marine vehicles may not contribute to pollution as much as larger vessels, but the launch of new and innovative companies in this sub-segment is causing waves in other segments in the marine industry. This is important, especially as large marine vessels are major polluters. According to Statista, bulk carriers, oil tankers, container ships and general cargo vessels emitted 830 million metric tons of CO₂ in 2020.

In terms of the distribution of carbon dioxide emissions produced by the transportation sector worldwide, shipping contributed 6 times less emissions than its on- and off-road counterparts. Consequently, shipping faces less regulatory pressure as opposed to passenger cars and trucks. However, some countries have committed to decarbonising marine vessels, including Netherlands (by 2025) and Scotland (replacing most of its aging ferries with hybrid-electric vessels by 2035). Others should soon follow.

The challenges faced by marine vessel manufacturers and operators are range, charging times, and performance. This is where thermal management can make a difference. If batteries and/or motors are submerged in a dielectric liquid such as MIVOLT, benefits include: