Fully Electric Survey Vessel Borealis Sets New Standard for Sustainable Hydrography
As the maritime sector accelerates its transition toward cleaner operations, innovative solutions are emerging across a wide range of vessel types. One notable example is the fully electric survey vessel Borealis, developed by Marine Support Vessels BV (MSV).
The compact 10-meter aluminium vessel demonstrates how existing workboats can be successfully transformed into sustainable assets without compromising operational performance.
Commissioned in March 2026, Borealis is designed for hydrographic surveying, seabed monitoring and maintenance of inland waterways. The vessel can operate in Dutch rivers and canals, but is equally suited for international projects where low-emission or zero-emission operations are increasingly required.
According to MSV owner Rik Stevens, the concept grew out of both environmental awareness and changing market demands.
“Clients today look beyond price alone,” Stevens explains. “Quality, sustainability and emissions are becoming equally important factors in project selection. With Borealis, we can now perform survey operations completely electrically while maintaining the reliability our clients expect.”
From Concept to Conversion
The idea for the project originated in 2024 when MSV began exploring ways to modernise its fleet. Rather than building a new vessel from scratch, the company opted to refit an existing aluminium workboat that had previously operated on projects in the Wadden Sea and the Caspian Sea.
This 10-meter vessel already possessed a key feature that made it well suited for hydrographic work: waterjet propulsion. Waterjets provide excellent manoeuvrability and are particularly effective in shallow waters, making them ideal for survey operations in rivers and coastal zones.
However, converting the vessel to fully electric propulsion presented several engineering challenges. Unlike hybrid propulsion systems, which combine diesel and electric power, a fully electric vessel requires careful planning of energy consumption, operational range and charging infrastructure.
“You cannot simply sail at high speed to the survey area and start working,” Stevens notes. “Electric propulsion requires a different operational mindset. You need to plan your energy use carefully and ensure that suitable charging locations are available.”
To determine the required propulsion power, engineers conducted strain-gauge measurements on the vessel’s previous diesel engine installation. These measurements provided valuable data on power requirements at different speeds, allowing the team to design an efficient electric propulsion system.
Collaborative Engineering
The successful conversion of Borealis was made possible through close cooperation between several technology partners.
The electric propulsion system features a motor supplied by Bellmarine, integrated with the vessel’s existing waterjet drive through a transmission from Transfluid.
At the heart of the vessel’s electrical architecture is the energy system engineered and delivered by Top Systems. The system incorporates lithium-iron-phosphate battery technology from MG Energy Systems.
To enhance operational reliability, the vessel is equipped with a redundant battery configuration consisting of 24 LFP lithium-ion batteries, each with a capacity of 7.9 kWh. Together they provide a total installed capacity of 189.6 kWh.
Each battery bank is managed by an independent Battery Management System (BMS), ensuring safe operation and protection against overcharging, deep discharge and temperature fluctuations.
Real-time system monitoring is available through MG Energy displays in the technical compartment and a control interface in the vessel’s wheelhouse based on a Victron Cerbo GX platform.
Flexible Charging and Backup Power
Operational flexibility was an important design consideration. At the end of a typical working day, the vessel can recharge its battery system via a three-phase shore-power connection (16A or 32A).
Three heavy-duty battery High voltage chargers from TC HK-H Type provide a combined charging capacity of approximately 3 x 6.6 kW.
In addition, the vessel’s cabin roof is equipped with four Victron BlueSolar panels, connected to a SmartSolar MPPT charge controller. While solar power alone cannot fully recharge the vessel, it contributes to onboard energy supply and increases overall system efficiency.
For situations where shore power is unavailable, a backup generator running on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel has been installed by WhisperPower. This solution ensures that the vessel remains operational even during extended deployments.
Performance on the Water
Despite its fully electric configuration, Borealis delivers solid operational performance. The vessel reaches a maximum speed of approximately 12 km/h, which is more than adequate for hydrographic survey operations in rivers and inland waterways.
More importantly, the vessel’s advanced monitoring system provides real-time insights into energy consumption. This allows the skipper to adapt speed and power usage when necessary, optimizing operational range throughout the workday.
“Being able to monitor the energy flow in real time makes a huge difference,” Stevens says. “If the batteries are draining faster than expected, the skipper can adjust the throttle slightly and maintain the operational schedule.”
Another advantage of the digital energy system is the ability for engineers from Top Systems to remotely access and diagnose the system when needed, enabling fast troubleshooting and technical support.
Sustainable Surveying
For MSV, the introduction of Borealis represents more than a technological milestone—it reflects a broader commitment to sustainable maritime operations.
The company aims to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and environmental impact wherever possible. This approach is driven both by internal motivation and by growing demand from clients who increasingly prioritise environmentally responsible contractors.
“Sustainability is becoming a decisive factor in the awarding of infrastructure and water management projects,” Stevens says. “With Borealis, we are demonstrating that electric propulsion can also be a viable solution for specialised workboats.”
A Glimpse of the Future
As regulations tighten and environmental awareness grows, the maritime sector is rapidly moving toward alternative propulsion technologies. Projects such as Borealis show that electrification is not limited to ferries or passenger vessels, but can also be successfully applied to specialised workboats.
By combining practical operational experience with modern energy technology, Marine Support Vessels BV has created a vessel that not only meets today’s sustainability expectations but also points toward the future of hydrographic surveying.
With Borealis now in service, the company hopes to inspire further innovation across the industry—proving that even small vessels can make a significant contribution to cleaner waterways and greener maritime operations.