Chinese electric propulsion specialist ExploMar will introduce its Smart Captain System and Smart Fleet Platform at the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, taking place from 8 to 11 July. The company says the launch marks an expansion of its offering beyond electric propulsion systems into digital vessel control and fleet management technologies.
As electric propulsion becomes more widely adopted, manufacturers are increasingly able to integrate propulsion, navigation and onboard systems through digital control platforms. Unlike conventional combustion engines, electric propulsion systems use an electronic control architecture that enables functions such as battery management, steering, navigation, positioning and onboard communications to operate through a single platform.
By comparison, conventional combustion-powered boats generally rely on separate systems for engines, steering, throttles and onboard electronics, making it more difficult to integrate operational data.
According to ExploMar, the Smart Captain System has been designed around practical operating scenarios and supports software-based functionality similar to that found in modern road vehicles.
The system adjusts power delivery and energy management to suit different operating conditions, aiming to improve efficiency and vessel control. It also includes manoeuvring assistance designed to support tasks such as docking and navigating confined waterways.
Other features include GPS-based dynamic positioning, electronic anchoring, remote diagnostics and integrated safety functions. ExploMar says these technologies can provide a foundation for future intelligent navigation and autonomous vessel capabilities.
Explomar introduces Smart Fleet
Alongside the onboard system, the company is introducing Smart Fleet, a fleet management platform intended for commercial operators that connects vessels, propulsion systems and operational data through remote monitoring and management tools.
The platform includes asset management, operational analytics and predictive maintenance: functions intended to help operators monitor fleet performance, manage operating costs and make better use of assets.
Smart Fleet is designed for applications including tourism, boat rental, public service and commercial operations. The company says it also sees the platform as supporting wider digital infrastructure for marinas, ports and connected water transport.
ExploMar at Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
At the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, ExploMar will present the Smart Captain System publicly for the first time. The company also plans to display several boats equipped with its electric propulsion systems during the event’s competition and exhibition.
ExploMar founder and CEO Alex Dong says: “Over the past several years, the industry’s primary focus has been electrifying boats. Looking ahead, the bigger question is how to make boats truly intelligent. Smart Captain is far more than an intelligent control system – it reflects ExploMar’s vision for the next generation of vessel architecture.
“We believe electric propulsion will become the foundation of intelligent boats, seamlessly integrating propulsion, safety, control and digital connectivity to deliver a safer, more efficient and smarter on-water experience.”
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