Arc Joins Maritime Battery Forum to Advance Electric Vessel Innovation

The Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) has welcomed Arc, a U.S.-based developer of electric and hybrid-electric marine propulsion systems, as its newest member, strengthening collaboration on the adoption of battery technologies across the maritime sector.

Arc brings expertise in designing fully integrated electric propulsion systems, combining battery engineering, software, thermal management and propulsion technologies for recreational, commercial and defence vessels.

Integrated Electric Propulsion Expertise

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Arc develops complete electric powertrain systems in-house rather than relying on third-party battery or propulsion components.

Its vertically integrated approach covers:

• Battery systems
• Electric propulsion
• Thermal management
• Battery management software
• Energy management systems

According to the company, integrating hardware and software enables greater optimisation of vessel performance, reliability and operational safety.

Arc’s technology currently powers recreational vessels, including the Arc One and Arc Sport, while the company is expanding into commercial and government applications.

Batteries at the Core of Vessel Design

Arc said batteries have been treated as a core engineering discipline since the company’s inception, with battery performance, safety and reliability forming the foundation of its propulsion platform.

Developing complete propulsion systems internally allows the company to continuously optimise battery behaviour, thermal performance and energy management based on operational data collected from vessels in service.

Expanding into Commercial Marine Applications

Beyond recreational boating, Arc is applying its technology to commercial vessels where electrification can reduce emissions and operating costs.

The company is currently developing eight electric tugboats for deployment at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, one of North America’s largest electric workboat initiatives.

Arc said the first tugboat propulsion system has already received certification, creating opportunities to expand its technology into additional applications, including:

• Tugboats
• Ferries
• Barges
• Government and defence vessels

Experience gained through these commercial programmes is helping shape the company’s broader electric vessel portfolio.

Supporting Maritime Battery Development

Through its MBF membership, Arc plans to contribute practical insights into battery safety, system integration, thermal management, manufacturing and real-world vessel performance.

Founded by engineers with backgrounds in the aerospace and automotive sectors, the company said it aims to collaborate with other MBF members as maritime battery technologies continue to mature.

Ryan Cook, Arc CTO and co-founder, said:

“Batteries are the foundation of what we build at Arc, from our recreational boats to commercial vessels like our electric tugboats. Because we design and deploy complete systems in-house, we’ve had to solve real, hard problems around safety, reliability, and packaging in demanding maritime environments. We’re excited to join the Maritime Battery Forum to share what we’ve learned and to work alongside the broader community as the industry moves toward a cleaner, more electric future.”