International Electric Marine Association propels industry forward with growing global membership

The new International Electric Marine Association propels the industry forward with rapid growing global membership © Caro Gonzalez / IEMA

Since its launch in September 2023, the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has swiftly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, bringing together an impressive 40+ members from across the globe.

• IEMA has swiftly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, bringing together an impressive 40+ members from across the globe.
• IEMA and its members are committed to spearheading collaboration that dismantles barriers obstructing the widespread adoption of marine electrification.
• Through technical working groups, IEMA will focus on the key priorities of Safety, Interface, and Infrastructure establishing robust standards, best practices, protocols, and certifications.

This diverse membership comprises industry leaders, including renowned boat builders such as X Shore, Mobyfly, and Tyde, infrastructure specialists Aqua superPower and Kempower, marine certification agency HPiVS, electric inboard and outboard motors maker Evoy, drivetrain manufacturers Vita Power, and battery technology experts Kreisel.

Founded in the USA, IEMA's international reach extends across Europe to Asia and the South Pacific region, solidifying its status as the premier worldwide platform for the electric marine industry.

Collaboration for industry leadership

Together, IEMA and its members are committed to spearheading collaboration that dismantles barriers obstructing the widespread adoption of marine electrification. By elevating data exchange between the sector and critical stakeholders such as ports, onshore infrastructure, energy companies, and local municipalities, IEMA aims to enhance efficiency and foster synergies. Through its collaborative technical working groups, IEMA will focus on the key priorities of Safety, Interface, and Infrastructure, establishing robust standards, best practices, protocols, and certifications to instill confidence in safe and sustainable marine electrification.

Adria Jover, President of IEMA, expressed his enthusiasm for the association's rapid momentum, stating, "IEMA's collaborative approach brings together our members into an ecosystem to actively cooperate in establishing a sustainable and thriving global electric marine sector for everyone's benefit. We do this because we know there is not just one solution to challenges this new industry faces, and we need to work together."

Strength in unity

Echoing this sentiment, Nathan Baker, CTO of electric boat manufacturer Seabird Technologies emphasized the strength in unity within IEMA, stating, "This is why we joined IEMA, to be part of the industry voice for electric marine, and together we're louder. As a united front, we are able to advocate, connect, and collaborate with all stakeholders to overcome the hurdles that the electric marine sector faces."

Alex Bamberg, CEO of Aqua Superpower and one of IEMA's founding members, highlighted the importance of supporting infrastructure for accelerating electric boating, saying; "At Aqua Superpower, our mission has always been to provide a connected charging network, knowing that this will pave the way to accelerate electric boating. We understand that influencing and advocating for government legislation and grants will also accelerate this. Being part of IEMA ensures that safe and viable solutions are achieved more quickly."

Danny Tao, CEO and founder of ePropulsion highlighted the significance of Asia in the global electric marine industry, citing the region's pivotal position as a manufacturing and battery production hub; "Asia is undeniably a key market for electrification, and I am pleased to witness IEMA's reach extending globally. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange with our Asian counterparts, IEMA is poised to be a catalyst for transformative change. Together, we can navigate the challenges, accelerate innovation, and pave the way for a thriving electric marine industry worldwide."

Exciting 2024 plans

Looking ahead, IEMA has an exciting 2024 planned, having been confirmed to assist the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, April 10-12, 2024, and with its own satellite event. IEMA will be holding its first Annual Members Meeting and keynote presentation at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge due to take place July 1-6, 2024. Further details to be announced soon.

Be a Catalyst for Change - Join IEMA Today!

Be a catalyst for change in the electric marine industry and become a member of IEMA, to spark collaborations and set the stage for the future by visiting iema.org/become-a-member.