ExploMar, China’s pioneering high-power electric outboard systems manufacturer, announce its WAVE 300 outboard system is the driving force behind TERRAZUL EVØ, Portugal’s first high-performance electric boat dedicated to sustainable maritime tourism. Designed and built by Dutch HDPE boat specialists Tideman Boats, the vessel is now operational in the Azores Islands under the stewardship of TERRA AZUL™, renowned for its eco-conscious whale watching experiences.
The electric boat is powered by ExploMar’s WAVE 300, a 300-horsepower electric outboard engine designed for performance and durability, paired with the HEDB 125 high-energy density battery system. This 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 system, giving operators real-time insights into boat status for enhanced safety and control on the water.
This next-generation electric boat is now in service with TERRA AZUL™, a first-choice whale-watching marine tour operator based in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island. Established on March 2, 2001, TERRA AZUL has been a dedicated advocate for responsible eco-tourism, combining marine wildlife education with a profound respect for Azorean culture and biodiversity. By replacing traditional combustion engines, the electric boat eliminates engine noise and pollution—two critical factors in protecting delicate marine ecosystems and wildlife.
Miguel Cravinho, Co-owner and COO at TERRA AZUL, said the company “is making maritime history. This boat represents a significant evolution from our heritage whaling traditions, embodied by the restored Senhora de Fátima, which was restored in 2010 as part of a social responsibility initiative. We are demonstrating that innovative sustainability and exceptional tourism experiences can harmoniously coexist while paving the way for ocean conservation.”
“Today, we are not just launching an e-boat, we are unselfishly launching a new era of responsible tourism in the Azores Islands,” says Filipe Sousa, CRO responsible for Business Growth & Development at TERRA AZUL, adding that “our archipelago is a natural paradise, which is our duty to protect. This electric vessel is a result of our dedication to innovation that respects and preserves our unique environment, ensuring that the beauty and tranquility of the Azores can be enjoyed for generations to come, hopefully soon free from noise pollution from conventional combustion engines.”
This project showcases how ExploMar’s high-performance electric propulsion can meet real-world tourism demands. Built by Tideman Boats and configured specifically for the WAVE 300 system, the vessel proves that high power and low carbon emissions can go hand in hand. More than a single deployment, it signals a broader shift toward sustainable innovation in eco-sensitive regions like the Azores.
‘We’re proud to power the first 300hp high-performance electric boat in Portugal—right here in the breathtaking Azores. 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,’ said Alex Dong, CEO of ExploMar.
‘The combination of a HDPE boat and electric propulsion is the most sustainable way to go.’ Bruno Tideman, CEO of Tideman Boats, said ‘Low carbon footprint, no aging, inert, 100% recyclable and no need for anti-fouling makes this boat the best option for nature sensitive activities. ’
At ExploMar, we aim to empower the electrification of water mobility within the sustainable tourism sector, particularly in regions like the Azores. We hope this initiative will inspire broader global adoption of eco-friendly practices.
