The International Electric Marine Association (IEMA) has rapidly expanded its membership to 40 within just half a year since its establishment. Founded in September 2023, the organization is dedicated to advancing the electrification of the marine industry worldwide, extending its influence from Europe to Asia and the South Pacific.
IEMA’s primary goal is to eliminate barriers hindering the widespread adoption of marine electrification. Through lobbying efforts, access to capital, big data utilization, and networking initiatives, the association aims to facilitate the transition to sustainable marine practices.
See also: Kempower and Aqua Superpower Team Up for Electric Boat Charging Solutions
While specific project details are yet to be unveiled, IEMA has outlined its current activities on LinkedIn. Members are actively engaged in enhancing data exchange among industry stakeholders, including ports, onshore infrastructure, energy companies, and local municipalities.
Technical working groups within IEMA are focusing on safety, interface, and infrastructure, developing robust standards, best practices, protocols, and certifications to ensure the safe and sustainable implementation of marine electrification technologies.
The association boasts an impressive roster of members, including boat builders X Shore, Mobyfly, and Tyde, infrastructure specialist Aqua Superpower, marine certification agency HPiVS, and electric motor manufacturers Evoy and Vita Power. Non-marine-exclusive members such as battery experts Kreisel Electric and Kempower, and infrastructure specialist Tritium, are also part of the association.
See also: Arc Launches New Mass-Market Electric Sport Boat, Arc Sport, Priced at $258,000
Adria Jover, President of IEMA, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the association, stating, “We do this because we know there is not just one solution to challenges this new industry faces, and we need to work together.”
Nathan Baker, CTO of electric boat manufacturer Seabird Technologies, highlights the importance of being part of the industry voice for electric marine, stating, “Together we’re louder.”
Alex Bamberg, CEO of Aqua Superpower and a founding member of IEMA, stresses the significance of supporting infrastructure to accelerate electric boating, stating, “Being part of IEMA ensures that safe and viable solutions are achieved more quickly.”
See also: Candela’s Electric Boat Shatters Previous Record in 24-Hour Challenge
The maritime sector has historically been underrepresented in global climate agreements, despite being the sixth-largest greenhouse gas emitter if it were a country, according to the World Bank. The IMO has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions, including reaching net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050.
IMEA’s upcoming involvement in the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona and its first annual members meeting at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge demonstrate its commitment to driving change in the marine industry towards a sustainable future.
