Barrus and Hybrid Marine have entered into an agreement to create a new hybrid propulsion systems company, Hybrid Marine International.
The two companies have been working together since 2010 developing hybrid propulsion systems based on Yanmar marine diesel engines.
“We are pleased to announce this joint venture, delivering on our commitment to support green marine power expectations,” said Graham Knox, chief executive, Barrus. “Hybrid Marine International has been established to design, manufacture and sell hybrid propulsion systems for applications including inland canal boats, commercial barges and sailing boats.
“The joint venture cements our successful collaboration thus far, and we look forward to working together to unlock the potential of our combined expertise.”
Hybrid Marine has been developing hybrid systems since 2002, led by hybrid development engineer, Graeme Hawksley.
Hybrid Marine is believed to be the first company in the world to introduce a production parallel hybrid system to the marine sector.
The company’s customer base has includes UK canal boatbuilders, such as Braidbar Boats, European commercial craft operators, Aister (Spain) ‘Pelican’ vessels the luxury catamaran market with Antares Catamarans, Max Cruise Marine, and Hudson Yacht Group.
“When we first started investigating marine hybrids, the market for these systems did not exist,” said Graeme. “Apart from a few early adopters, hybrids were viewed as blue sky products, something for the future rather than now. Finally, in 2024, the future is now.”
