Vision Marine Technologies has begun a technology partnership with HD Hyundai subsidiary Avikus as part of the propulsion company’s strategy to advance its E-Motion system beyond electric propulsion toward a broader integrated vessel technology.
The partnership will evaluate the integration of Avikus’s Neuboat capabilities with Vision Marine’s twin-motor E-Motion propulsion architecture using the Sterk 31E boat as its first validation platform.
The intention is to establish an integration framework connecting intelligent navigation, vessel controls and Vision Marine’s high-voltage electric propulsion technology.
Subject to successful integration and validation, planned Neuboat functionality includes object recognition, route planning, smart autopilot, adaptive cruise, collision-avoidance assistance, and auto-docking assistance.
Integration and validation
Avikus’s technology combines camera and LiDAR-based perception, object-recognition hardware, vessel-control interfaces, and an integrated user display.
Under the partnership, Avikus has provided the initial Neuboat operator-assist and auto-docking system for integration and validation on the Sterk 31E, and its engineering team is providing related technical support.
The companies’ engineering teams will work together on the project, with Vision Marine’s engineers having already performed vessel-side engineering, system-interface development and integration work involving the Sterk 31E, its twin E-Motion propulsion architecture, helm controls, and steering systems.
The parties are proceeding collaboratively on a non-exclusive basis, without a formal written agreement or binding commitments, with the intention of making Avikus technology available as an integrated option for customers on other compatible twin-motor vessels.
For future customer orders, Vision Marine says it will acquire the applicable Avikus system for integration, enabling each company to commercialise its respective technology.
Any future offering would remain subject to vessel compatibility, customer demand, and commercial arrangements for future orders.
Engineering and validation knowledge
The current phase is focused on generating engineering and validation knowledge and is not expected to materially affect the company’s current operations or financial position.
The program is expected to progress through three principal stages: system interfacing, dockside commissioning and on-water validation.
Subject to development progress and successful integration, the companies plan to display the project at IBEX 2026.
“E-Motion was designed to become more than an electric replacement for a conventional engine.
“Our objective is to build an integrated marine technology architecture connecting propulsion, controls, safety systems, and increasingly intelligent digital functionality,” explained Alexandre Mongeon, chief executive officer and co-founder of Vision Marine.
“Working with Avikus brings specialised intelligent-navigation expertise from an HD Hyundai company to an operational twin E-Motion platform.
“The Sterk 31E gives our teams a real-world platform to integrate and validate these technologies together, while developing knowledge that could support future OEM applications.”
Avikus is dedicated to the development of intelligent navigation and operator-assist technology for commercial and leisure vessels.
Its Neuboat system combines AI-based perception, intelligent navigation, situational awareness, and operator-assist functionality designed to support more intuitive vessel operation.
