Electric Ships Global Market Report 2025

An electric ship is a vessel powered by a battery, adhering to environmental regulations and posing no threat to marine life. Electric propulsion systems serve as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fuels, applicable in both inland navigation and large commercial ships.

The primary types of electric ships include fully electric and hybrid models. Fully electric ships operate solely on electricity, utilizing electrical power to drive propeller blades in electric propulsion systems. This technology has gained popularity in various maritime applications, spanning commercial and research vessels to fishing boats, particularly in Europe and Japan. These electric ships can operate in manned, remotely operated, or autonomous modes, utilizing energy storage systems, power conversion, power generation, and power distribution. The power requirements for these ships range from less than 75 kW to greater than 7,560 kW, covering distances from less than 50 km to greater than 1,000 km.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The sharp rise in U.S. tariffs and ensuing trade tensions in spring 2025 are placing significant strain on the transport sector, especially in areas such as fleet maintenance and logistics. Increased duties on imported commercial vehicles, tires, and engine parts have driven up operating costs for trucking and freight firms, forcing them to either raise shipping rates or accept lower profit margins. Airlines and maritime operators are also under pressure, as tariffs on aircraft components and shipbuilding materials have pushed capital expenditures higher. Meanwhile, retaliatory tariffs in key export markets have weakened demand for U.S.-manufactured transportation equipment, further squeezing revenues. To cope, the industry is turning to fuel efficiency measures, alternative supply sources, and greater automation to manage rising costs while maintaining dependable service.

The electric ships market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides electric ships market statistics, including electric ships industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an electric ships market share, detailed electric ships market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the electric ships industry. This electric ships market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The electric ships market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $8.87 billion in 2024 to $9.78 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to strong economic growth in emerging markets, the increasing global commercial trade, and the increasing government support.

The electric ships market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $14.6 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the rise in the adoption of hybrid and electric propulsion for retrofitting ships, the increasing defense expenditure, the increasing environmental concerns, and the increase in seaborne trade. Major trends in the forecast period include high-powered and technologically advanced bass boats, a focus on battery-hybrid ships, a focus on zero-emission vessels, technology innovations, a focus on artificial intelligence, new electric foiling water taxis, and strategic partnerships and collaborations.

The forecast of 10.6% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.6% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through tariffs on marine battery banks, propulsion motors, and onboard energy management systems sourced from Scandinavian countries and China, delaying adoption of sustainable maritime transport.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The expansion of recreational boating and water sports is projected to significantly boost the growth of the electric ship market in the future. Recreational boating and water sports include various leisure activities conducted on water, such as boating, sailing, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and other enjoyable water-based pursuits. The growing popularity of these activities is fueled by rising disposable incomes and an increasing interest in outdoor and adventure experiences. Electric motors are favored in leisure crafts and tourist boats, offering passengers a quiet and eco-friendly experience. For example, in May 2023, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), a US-based trade organization, reported a substantial economic surge in recreational boating, with annual economic activity increasing by 36% from $170 billion to $230 billion in 2023. Additionally, 260,000 new boats were sold in 2022, along with over one million pre-owned boats, reflecting an uptick compared to the previous year. Consequently, the growth of recreational boating and water sports is expected to drive the expansion of the electric ship market.

Rising environmental concerns are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the electric ships market. Electric ships represent an effective method for significantly reducing water pollution since they do not rely on fuel and consume very little oil, minimizing the risk of harming aquatic life or other water users. A 2022 study by the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm indicated that ships utilizing electric hydrofoil technology could decrease emissions from marine transport by 97.5% compared to diesel vessels. This reduction in emissions is primarily due to the combination of hydrofoil technology and electric propulsion. Therefore, growing environmental concerns are expected to propel the growth of the electric ships market.

Leading companies in the electric ship market are emphasizing technological innovations such as all-electric tugs to gain a competitive edge. An all-electric tug is a type of tugboat powered entirely by electric propulsion systems, which eliminates the need for traditional fossil fuel engines. For example, in April 2024, Damen Shipyards Group, a Netherlands-based shipbuilder, introduced the fully electric RSD-E Tug 2513, specifically built for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This cutting-edge tugboat aims to enhance sustainability in port operations by using electric propulsion technology, significantly reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impact. With its advanced maneuverability and powerful performance, the RSD-E Tug 2513 will assist in various harbor activities, including towing and berthing, while promoting a greener maritime industry.

Companies engaged in the electric ships market are increasingly directing their focus toward battery-hybrid ships. These vessels feature an electric battery system alongside a traditional engine. As the ship travels and expends excess energy, it is stored in battery packs, refilling these systems. In scenarios of low power demand, the vessel can operate solely on battery power or draw additional power from the batteries to reduce peak demand. For instance, in 2022, Hurtigruten, a Norway-based company specializing in environmentally sustainable hybrid technology for new expedition ships, launched its first upgraded battery-hybrid ship. To decrease CO2 emissions, substantial battery packs with a combined capacity of 1,120kWh each were installed at the Myklebust Yard in northwest Norway. In addition to installing Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOX) by 80%, Hurtigruten modified the ship's hull to minimize drag and enhance efficiency.

In January 2024, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., a Japan-based mobility manufacturer, acquired Torqeedo for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Yamaha's capabilities in the electric marine sector as part of its Marine CASE Strategy, which emphasizes innovation and sustainability in marine products. Torqeedo is a Germany-based manufacturer of electric marine propulsion systems.

Major companies operating in the electric ships market include ABB Limited, Siemens Energy, BAE Systems, Wartsila, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, MAN Energy Solutions SE, Schottel GmbH, Corvus Energy, Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) NV, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Western India Shipyard, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Adani Kattupalli Shipyard (Larsen & Toubro), Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Qingdao Captain Marine Co Ltd, HBM-Huanan Building Materials (Shenzhen) Co Ltd, COSCO Shipping, Headway Technology Co. Ltd, Star MarinePro Corp Limited, China Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd, Duffy Electric Boats, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Leclanche SA, Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company, SPRK Electric Boats, Canadian Electric Boat Company, Westport LLC, Midwest Lake Management Inc., Craig Catamaran Corporation, Astillero rio Santiago, Tandanor, Neptun Ship Design Gmbh, Spi astilleros, Lamwec Colombia, Navtek Naval Technologies, Empire Marine International LLC, Majix Marine, Al-Ghawas, Aries Marine, Ocean Boats, Royal Yachting, Crown Electric Ships and Boats, Alexandria, Joemarine Nautical Company Nigeria Limited, The Damen Group, Southern African Shipyards, Nigerdock FZE

Western Europe was the largest region in the electric ship market in 2024. The regions covered in the electric ships market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the electric ships market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The electric ship market consists of sales of battery electric vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and fuel cell electric vehicle. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Electric Ships Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on electric ships market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for electric ships ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The electric ships market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Fully Electric, Hybrid
• 2) By Mode of Operation: Manned, Remotely Operated, Autonomous
• 3) By System: Energy Storage Systems, Power Conversion, Power Generation, Power Distribution
• 4) By Power: Less Than 75KW, 75 To 150KW, 151 To 745KW, 746 To 7,560KW, Greater Than 7,560KW
• 5) By Range: Less Than 50Km, 50 To 100Km, 101 To 1000Km, Greater Than 1,000Km
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Fully Electric: Battery-Powered Vessels; Electric Ferries; Electric Cargo Ships
• 2) By Hybrid: Diesel-Electric Vessels; Hybrid Ferries; Hybrid Container Ships
• Companies Mentioned: ABB Limited; Siemens Energy; BAE Systems; Wartsila; Kongsberg Gruppen ASA; MAN Energy Solutions SE; Schottel GmbH; Corvus Energy; Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) NV; Cochin Shipyard Limited; Western India Shipyard; Hindustan Shipyard Ltd; Adani Kattupalli Shipyard (Larsen & Toubro); Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.; Qingdao Captain Marine Co Ltd; HBM-Huanan Building Materials (Shenzhen) Co Ltd; COSCO Shipping; Headway Technology Co. Ltd; Star MarinePro Corp Limited; China Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd; Duffy Electric Boats; General Dynamics Electric Boat; Leclanche SA; Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Company; SPRK Electric Boats; Canadian Electric Boat Company; Westport LLC; Midwest Lake Management Inc.; Craig Catamaran Corporation; Astillero rio Santiago; Tandanor; Neptun Ship Design Gmbh; Spi astilleros; Lamwec Colombia; Navtek Naval Technologies; Empire Marine International LLC; Majix Marine; Al-Ghawas; Aries Marine; Ocean Boats; Royal Yachting; Crown Electric Ships and Boats; Alexandria; Joemarine Nautical Company Nigeria Limited; The Damen Group; Southern African Shipyards; Nigerdock FZE
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data Segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.