Swedish startup Zparq, which develops compact electric marine motors, is entering the industrial marine market with an OEM electric propulsion system based on a 10 kW submersible motor weighing 4kg.
The system is derived from the Z10 outboard platform – billed by Zparq as the world’s lightest 10 kW outboard motor – and has been re-engineered with a modular architecture for industrial integration. The firm says this new system is designed to allow boat manufacturers to integrate compact electric propulsion while maintaining flexibility in vessel design.
The system is intended for direct integration into vessels. It is aimed at applications including maritime surveillance, subsea inspection, security operations and autonomous craft.
Zparq states that its propulsion technology can be embedded into the hull. This approach removes the need for external propulsion layouts and supports alternative vessel configurations, including hydrofoil-based and unmanned designs.
The company, founded in 2020 in collaboration with Sweden’s Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), confirms it has secured initial orders from OEM customers.
“This launch represents a major step for Zparq,” says Jonas Genchel, CEO and co-founder of Zparq. “We are building on our existing platform to scale it into industrial-grade applications where performance, reliability and flexibility are mission-critical.”
The OEM system is pressure-tested and is suitable for submerged use as well as surface vessels. It can be applied to craft using hydrofoil concepts and other hull configurations. In addition to the motor, the system can include batteries, power electronics, control units and software as part of a complete electric propulsion package.
Zparq says that the system’s size and acoustic characteristics make it applicable in operations where reduced noise and consistent performance are required.
“Established players have already placed orders for our OEM system,” Genchel adds. “Seeing our technology adopted in critical industrial applications confirms that we have reached a new level of maturity as a company and as a technology provider.”
The company’s expansion into industrial applications coincides with increased demand for electric propulsion systems in areas such as security, defence and specialised marine operations.
Zparq has been selected for the EUDIS Business Accelerator, a programme supporting companies developing technologies for the European defence sector.
In 2025, the firm secured €5.5m in EU funding to advance its Z10 platform. Zparq has also received investment backing from InnoEnergy, Santander Climate Fund and Almi Invest.
The post Zparq enters industrial marine market with electric propulsion system appeared first on Marine Industry News.