CHARGING FORWARD
Reducing the impact of boating on our oceans and waterways by supporting the growing shift towards clean marine mobility
Aqua superPower is the first company to design and develop a dedicated global marine fast charging network with technology, functionality and features tailored specifically for this sector. The network is designed to create a seamless user experience that is accessible to boat users via the Aqua app or RFID card, enabling users to view a map showing charger locations, offering navigational aids, and managing charging sessions.
Aqua superPower represents a sustainable solution for putting in place vital marine e-mobility infrastructure. Global and local environmental regulations are driving change in the marine sector, more and more areas will only be accessible to electric boats, be that along the coast, on inland waterways and lakes. Electric propulsion is the most significant new trend in the boating industry and Aqua superPower has been at the forefront of supporting marinas, commercial operators, boat builders, and boat owners in the drive to bring electric power to the water since 2021. The Aqua team has long-standing and successful experience in deploying electric vehicle charge point networks and is now transferring this knowledge to the marine sector.
Aqua’s self-titled app can help customers find charging stations, check availability, provide real time charge session management, and process their billing. Each marine charging station is smart and permanently connected to Aqua’s back-office, and the same as with any EV CPO, customers pay for their consumed electrons.
“Access to charging infrastructure that offers a reliable plug & charge experience, offering features like charge point visibility, is essential for boat owners if they are to develop the confidence to transition away from liquid carbon fuels. Clean marine mobility works best when recreational and commercial boat users can take advantage of conveniently located charging stations throughout their local area. These e-boat corridors are central to the Aqua vision, and we support all our hosts in developing this critical regional infrastructure in the various countries we operate in,” says Alex Bamberg, CEO of Aqua superPower.
Aqua owns, operates, and maintains the network using their own cloud based back office system, and Aqua’s IP-65 rated hardware is specifically chosen to withstand the challenges of the marine environment. Taking advantage of developments in the automotive industry, Aqua has adopted the CCS (Combined Charging System) ensuring the safest and most reliable charging for both leisure and commercial electric boat users.
“Safety is always an important concern when dealing with high-voltage electricity. We explored various charging protocols and adopted the universal electric vehicle Combined Charging System (CCS1 and CCS2), which uses connectors to provide power up to 350 kilowatts,” says Bamberg.“This plug is particularly suited for marine applications as it doesn’t go live until it has made an electronic handshake with the battery. If it is dropped into water prior to connection with the boat, it is not live, therefore remains safe,” Bamberg explains.
Close co-operation with boat brands (OEMs) and powertrain manufacturers is critical in delivering a no-apologies cleaner alternative to liquid carbon fuels. These collaborations will standardise certain technology protocols ensuring best user and hassle-free experience while providing the most efficient fast charging that protects the batteries.
Aqua will supply and install future-proofed high powered smart network chargers at no cost to the site owner/operator. By installing Aqua’s fully connected marine fast chargers, marinas benefit from long term shared income from the charging services and becoming a destination for the fast-growing number of electric boat users, generating increased footfall. Aqua provides a fully funded turnkey solution. This includes upgrading grid connections, supplying, and installing charging hardware, and managing the customer journey.
To learn more visit www.aqua-superpower.com
