Today, more than 99% of sailboats worldwide are still equipped with internal combustion engines. This reality highlights how the energy transition in the marine industry is still in its infancy, despite the growing focus on low-emission solutions. To tackle this challenge, Groupe Beneteau and Fountaine Pajot Group have announced the creation of E-LEKTRA MARINE, a joint venture set to mark a turning point in the landscape of electric propulsion for sailing.
The initiative brings together seven market-leading brands—Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Excess, Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans, Fountaine Pajot Yachts, and Dufour—with a shared goal: to create a global standard for electric propulsion and intelligent onboard energy management, accelerating the adoption of sustainable solutions in recreational boating.
E-LEKTRA MARINE: Two groups, seven brands, one global standard
E-LEKTRA MARINE was established as a 50/50 joint venture dedicated to developing electric propulsion systems and integrated energy management for sailing vessels. It represents the first collaboration of its kind in the industry, bringing together brands that remain commercially independent while sharing a common technological platform.
The energy transition in sailing presents unique challenges, as it combines the requirements of the automotive industry (emission reduction and silent operation) with those of residential construction and energy independence. Unlike an electric car, a boat must generate, store, and distribute energy with total autonomy while at sea. The E-LEKTRA MARINE system was designed specifically to address this complexity; it is capable of orchestrating all onboard energy flows in real time—from solar panel production and battery management to powering onboard systems and propulsion.
Energy Independence: The New Frontier of Sailing
In the context of sailing, the central issue is not just electric propulsion, but the overall management of onboard energy. In fact, autonomy, comfort, and reliability depend on the ability to efficiently coordinate all available energy sources. Over the last few years, both groups have developed specific expertise in this field: Groupe Beneteau introduced low-voltage electric solutions for boats up to 12 meters, while Fountaine Pajot Group implemented high-voltage hybrid systems on catamarans over 15 meters. These technologies are now mature and ready to be scaled to an industrial level.
Instead of developing separate platforms, the two players have chosen to pool their resources to build a shared technological base that is open to the entire marine industry. The goal is to design systems that are competitive with traditional internal combustion solutions, capable of ensuring high performance and greater environmental sustainability.
E-LEKTRA MARINE is a technological ecosystem supported by strategic partners
The E-LEKTRA MARINE project is built on a network of technological partners specialized in electrical system design and energy management. These include:
Alternatives Energies, based in La Rochelle, an expert in electrical system integration;
Cirtem, specialized in energy conversion and management;
EVE System, focused on battery pack design.
Through these collaborations, the joint venture aims to define standardized solutions for vessels ranging from 9 to 24 meters, including full-electric systems, low- and high-voltage hybrids, and refit solutions for converting existing boats.
An Open Model for Competitive Electric Solutions
One of the project’s most innovative elements is its industrial model. E-LEKTRA MARINE is not designed as a proprietary technology, but as an open platform available to all players in the marine industry. By pooling the production volumes of the seven brands involved—which represent approximately 60% of the global sailing market—the project achieves the critical mass necessary to drive down costs and make electric solutions more accessible to boat owners.
The capabilities of the systems developed by the joint venture extend beyond electrification for vessels from 9 to 24 meters to include integrated energy management between solar panels, the motor, the generator, and onboard utilities. Furthermore, the platform offers real-time consumption monitoring through intuitive interfaces, a global network of certified service and support, continuous technological updates, and the option to convert existing boats to electric power through specialized refit solutions.
Toward 2030: Aiming to Transform the Sailing Market
The ambition of the two French groups is clear: to contribute to a structural transformation of the industry by 2030. Their stated goal is for electric solutions to represent between 10% and 15% of the global sailing market, equivalent to several hundred vessels per year.
Over the last two decades, Groupe Beneteau has already piloted electric solutions on models such as the Lagoon 421 catamarans and sailboats in the Beneteau Oceanis range, as well as on riverboats from the Delphia brand. At the same time, Fountaine Pajot Group has introduced electrification systems on flagship models like the Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 and Fountaine Pajot Samana 59 catamarans, solidifying its position in the sustainable cruising catamaran segment.
“With E-LEKTRA MARINE, two major leaders in the sailing industry are joining forces in an unprecedented alliance to accelerate the electrification of sailing. By pooling our industrial expertise, we aim to define open standards and make low-emission solutions simpler, more accessible, and more scalable” comments Bruno Thivoyon, Chairman of the Management Board of Groupe Beneteau.
Mathieu Fountaine, Deputy CEO of the Fountaine Pajot Group, adds: “After several years of implementation, Alternatives Energies has proven that scalable solutions do exist. The E-LEKTRA MARINE joint venture with Groupe Beneteau demonstrates that our industry is capable of mobilizing around shared environmental goals. Today, electrification is becoming essential; now, it must be made accessible to the entire sailing market.“
Conclusions
The launch of E-LEKTRA MARINE represents one of the most ambitious projects in the push toward decarbonizing the sailing industry. This alliance between two industry leaders and seven prominent brands demonstrates that the energy transition requires collaboration, standardization, and a long-term industrial vision.
If the 2030 targets are met, this initiative could mark the beginning of a new phase for recreational boating, one where sustainability, energy independence, and technological innovation become the central pillars of the sailing experience.
E-LEKTRA MARINE – FAQ
What is E-LEKTRA MARINE?
It is a joint venture created by two leading marine groups to develop electric propulsion and integrated energy management systems for sailboats.
Which brands are involved in the project?
The initiative involves seven international sailing brands, including Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Excess, Fountaine Pajot, and Dufour.
What is the main objective of the joint venture?
The mission is to create a global standard for the electrification of sailing and to make low-emission solutions more widespread and accessible.
Which boats will be able to use these technologies?
The systems will be designed for sailboats ranging from 9 to 24 meters in length, including solutions for retrofitting existing vessels.
Why is energy management so important for sailboats?
Unlike other modes of transportation, boats must independently produce and manage their own power while underway, making energy efficiency a decisive factor.
What is the target for 2030?
The project's backers aim for electric solutions to represent between 10% and 15% of the global sailing market by the end of the decade.
