Explomar’s WAVE 300 electric outboard system has taken centre stage in Portugal’s marine innovation, powering the TERRAZUL EVØ – the country’s first high-performance electric boat dedicated to maritime tourism.
The vessel, built by Dutch HDPE specialist Tideman Boats, is now in service with leading whale-watching operator TERRA AZUL in the Azores Islands, marking a major step toward sustainable marine tourism in one of Europe’s most ecologically vibrant regions.
WAVE 300
At the heart of the project is Explomar’s WAVE 300, a 300-horsepower electric outboard designed for performance and durability. Paired with the HEDB 125 high-energy density battery system, the setup delivers between 3 to 6 hours of clean, high-output operation on a single charge.
The system also integrates Explomar’s Smart Captain control platform, giving operators real-time insights into vessel status for enhanced safety and efficiency on the water.
By replacing traditional combustion engines with this high-output electric propulsion, the TERRAZUL EVØ eliminates both engine noise and pollution – critical advances for marine wildlife protection in sensitive areas such as the Azores, which are a hotspot for whales, dolphins and seabirds.
A first for Portugal, a signal for Europe
This next-generation electric vessel is now serving passengers in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island. TERRA AZUL, established in 2001, has long championed responsible eco-tourism, blending marine wildlife education with deep respect for Azorean culture and biodiversity.
“This electric vessel is a result of our dedication to innovation that respects and preserves our unique environment, ensuring that the beauty and tranquillity of the Azores can be enjoyed for generations to come, hopefully soon free from noise pollution from conventional combustion engines,” says Miguel Cravinho, co-owner and COO at TERRA AZUL.
The project demonstrates that Explomar’s high-performance propulsion technology can meet real-world tourism demands – offering an operationally viable alternative to combustion engines.
“We’re proud to power the first 300hp high-performance electric boat in Portugal – right here in the breathtaking Azores,” says Alex Dong, CEO of ExploMar. “Our electric outboard system quietly replaces the noise and fumes of traditional engines, offering a sustainable way to move through the water – one that respects both the people onboard and the wildlife around us.”
Sustainable partnerships across Europe
Designed and built in Holland, the Tideman HDPE hull was configured specifically for the WAVE 300 system – combining durability with sustainability.
“The combination of a HDPE boat and electric propulsion is the most sustainable way to go,” adds Bruno Tideman, CEO of Tideman Boats. “Low carbon footprint, no ageing, inert, 100% recyclable and no need for anti-fouling makes this boat the best option for nature sensitive activities.”
The TERRAZUL EVØ project is more than a single deployment, it signals a broader shift toward sustainable electrification across Europe’s coastal and tourism sectors, where regulators and operators alike are prioritising low-emission solutions.
