Barcelona’s Port Olímpic launches new Electric Boat Experience

May 13, 2024 Jeff Butler 0 Comments Barcelona, IEMA

Barcelona is the latest city to host en electric boat show, with the first Electric Boat Experience coming to the city’s Port Olímpic on May 25th and 26th from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm each day.

The event is being organized by Port Olímpic in cooperation with Spain’s recently formed electric boat association – Asociación Nacional de Barcos Eléctricos (ANBE) and the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA). It will highlight and promote technological and sustainable solutions in the nautical and maritime sector by bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to create a space for the exchange of ideas and solutions.

Second ANBE electric boat show this year

Earlier this year the association organized the Valencia Electric Boat show, and the Electric Boat Experience will also serve as a networking platform for manufacturers, investors, and e-boating enthusiasts.

The Port Olímpic was built for the 1992 Summer Olympics and the former Olympic Village is today a dynamic residential neighbourhood. To enhance and expand on that, Barcelona City Council commissioned the Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (B:SM) in 2020 to transform the Port into an area that will benefit the life of every citizen of the city. The goal is to be a renewed space designed for people, with ample areas for walking, sports, and enjoying the sea.

One of the fundamental forces behind the transformation is building a new ‘Blue Economy’ innovation hub to generate economic activity and quality jobs connected to the sea and environmental sustainability. The hub focusses on four major sectoral areas: recreational, training and promotional boating activities; boating services; innovation and technology; and the circular economy.

Blue Economy innovation hub

There are also changes to the Marina Wharf portion of the complex, where a wide range of services are being introduced to offer and encourage Barcelonians – especially young people – to train in and take part in boating sports.

The Port is having a busy year. It was one of the venues for the Satellite Events of the UNESCO Decade of Oceans Conference in April, the Electric Boat Experience takes place in May and in September it will host the Youth and Women’s regattas for the America’s Cup, where the Women’s Regatta is taking place for the first time in the world’s oldest international competition.

The Port’s boating programs and aim to be a benchmark in environmental management and innovation fit right in with the goals of the Asociación Nacional de Barcos Eléctricos.

The ANBE electric boat association was formed last year and announced at the Barcelona International Boat Show. It promotes the use of electric or hybrid vessels and informs the public about the the benefits of electric navigation while advocating for the members of the industry in Spain. Corporate members, with links to their websites and other information, can be found at the end of this article.

For the Electric Boat Experience, a variety of programming is planned, including seminars and round tables, sea tests and exclusive visits. There are mooring fro 20 boats in total – 10 in the Mestral section and 10 in the Gregal area.

Electric Boat Experience Schedule

Saturday, May 25th

ANBE Presentation
Project of Descarbonizing Recreation Boats
Next Generation Funds
Commercial Product Presentation
“Refit” Course

Sunday, May 26th

Sustainable Nautical Workshops for Families

The ANBE and Port Olímpic are both looking forward to the Electric Boat Experience 2024 serving as another catalyst for a greener maritime future, encouraging the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and practices in the Spanish nautical industry. Those interested in exhibiting and mooring space should contact the Secretary of The ANBA by email or phone: secretaria@anbe.online, +34 619 186 476

ANBE Website IEMA Port Olímpic