- Technology and Innovation
The All-Electric Ship: The 180° Steering Solution That Redefines Maneuverability
The Electric Gap: Scaling Up Yacht Performance
The marine industry has long sought an electric solution that can scale up from tenders to serious commercial and leisure vessels without compromising performance or thrust. RAD Propulsion, a British manufacturer founded by UK engineers, has answered that call decisively. At METSTRADE 2025, they launched the RAD 120, a new electric drive system delivering 120 kW of continuous output. This represents a crucial milestone, addressing the clear need for scalable electric propulsion that meets the real-world demands of today’s marine sector.
180 Degrees of Precision: Maneuvering Mastery
The operational efficiency of the RAD 120 is defined by its integrated steering. The drive features built-in 180° steering capability (90° to port and starboard), eliminating the need for external steering mechanisms. This full steering capability allows for superb maneuvering in tight marinas or harbors. Utilizing a drive-by-wire throttle and steering system with the RADBus architecture, the system provides digital precision and intuitive control, making it ideal for both high-performance leisure vessels and utility operators.
Future-Ready Architecture: Power and Autonomy
The RAD 120 is engineered for tomorrow’s vessels. It operates on a high voltage of 350-450V, maintaining compatibility with evolving automotive fast charging standards. Furthermore, the system is built using the same RADBus control architecture as the smaller RAD 40, making it fully fly-by-wire and autonomy ready. This future-proof design ensures that builders developing autonomous or highly digitized vessels have a propulsion system ready to integrate today.
The Installer’s Dream: Modular and Compact
RAD Propulsion maintained its core commitment to ease of integration. Despite the leap to a higher power class, the RAD 120 boasts a compact form factor and a plug-and-play design, supplied ready for installation. Its modular battery architecture allows the range, performance, and weight distribution to be completely tailored to each vessel type, with a minimum recommended capacity of 61 kWh. The drive also features a maintenance-reducing closed-circuit cooling system, eliminating the risk of open-water intake issues and ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.
The Verdict: The Final Word on Scalable Electric
The launch of the RAD 120 marks a new era for electric propulsion, validating the market demand for performance without compromise. This system delivers the power, thrust, and operational flexibility required by commercial, defense, and leisure vessels. By focusing on durability (closed-circuit cooling), precision (180° steering), and scalability (modular batteries), RAD Propulsion is positioned as the essential partner for builders designing the next generation of clean, safe, and reliable maritime travel.
