A fully electric rigid buoyancy boat operating in the Azores is demonstrating how propulsion technology is beginning to reshape marine wildlife tourism. The Terra Azul EV0, powered by the Explomar WAVE 300 electric outboard and built on a Tideman RBB 900 hull, represents a shift towards lower-emission, lower-noise operations in sensitive marine environments.

Operating off São Miguel, the nine-metre boat carries passengers through protected waters with minimal noise and vibration. The absence of traditional diesel engine sound allows passengers to experience the environment more directly, with only the sound of water and wildlife surrounding them.

For a region known for marine biodiversity and strict conservation measures, this reduction in acoustic impact is significant. It enables wildlife encounters that are less intrusive while enhancing the onboard experience for passengers.

The project brings together three distinct elements: a commercial wildlife operator, a specialist hull builder and an electric propulsion manufacturer.

Terra Azul, based in Vila Franca do Campo, identified the opportunity after observing a prototype Tideman vessel fitted with an Explomar electric outboard. The Dutch-built Tideman RBB 900 hull, constructed from recyclable HDPE, provides a durable and adaptable platform suited to commercial use.

This material choice offers practical advantages for high-use operations, including resistance to impact and reduced lifecycle environmental impact compared to traditional construction methods.

At the centre of the platform is the Explomar WAVE 300, a 300hp electric outboard developed specifically for commercial applications rather than adapted from existing combustion engine designs.

Key features include:

• Axial flux motor for high power density
• Clutch-less gearbox designed for electric torque delivery
• Closed-loop cooling system that isolates seawater from internal components

The system delivers 300hp and 655Nm of torque from zero rpm, with a reported weight of 218kg, broadly comparable to a petrol V6 outboard in the same power bracket.

Battery capacity is modular, allowing operators to configure energy storage based on route requirements and operational profiles.

The Azores present a demanding environment for propulsion systems, with varied duty cycles that include high-speed transits and extended low-speed observation periods.

Initial deployment has focused on the protected waters of Vila Franca do Campo, where route lengths align with current battery capabilities and charging infrastructure is available.

Early operational feedback indicates:

• Consistent battery performance within defined routes
• Positive passenger response to reduced noise levels
• Improved clarity of onboard commentary due to lower background sound

These factors combine to support both operational efficiency and passenger experience in a commercial setting.

For TERRA AZUL, the move to electric propulsion is positioned as part of a broader sustainability strategy rather than a standalone innovation.

Reduced emissions and near-zero acoustic disturbance are particularly relevant in marine protected areas, where wildlife sensitivity to noise and pollution is well documented. The approach aligns with increasing regulatory pressure across European waters to limit environmental impact from commercial marine activity.

The operator has also highlighted the importance of developing operational protocols alongside new technology to ensure reliability and scalability.

For the wider boating market, the introduction of a 300hp electric outboard in active commercial service marks a interesting step forward.

Electric propulsion is no longer limited to low-speed or small craft applications. Systems such as the WAVE 300 demonstrate capability within performance brackets typically associated with coastal RIBs and light commercial vessels.

However, practical considerations remain:

• Route planning is essential to match range with operational demands
• Charging infrastructure is a critical factor in deployment
• Suitability currently favours predictable, repeatable duty cycles

Within these constraints, electric propulsion is increasingly viable for professional operators.

The next phase for TERRA AZUL involves expanding electric propulsion into offshore wildlife operations, while Tideman continues to refine hull integration around battery systems.

For Explomar, scaling production and support infrastructure will be key to broader adoption, alongside continued development of performance and cost-efficiency.

The Azores are located on a major migratory route, supporting year-round populations of sperm whales and seasonal visits from blue, fin and sei whales. Dolphin species including common, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins are frequently observed, alongside seabirds such as Cory’s shearwaters and storm petrels.

Strict operating guidelines apply to wildlife tours, including controlled approach distances and limits on interaction time, reinforcing the importance of low-impact vessels in these environments.

Battery system

Application