A new passenger vessel named Perle Noire has entered service on the River Seine in Paris. This 22.5-meter boat, developed by SEINE ALLIANCE and equipped with Torqeedo electric motors integrated into a hydraulic propulsion system designed by Hydro-Armor, is intended to provide low-emission, quiet urban cruises. The project is part of a broader shift toward decarbonised inland waterway transport.
A Vessel Designed for Urban Passenger Transport
Launched in April 2025, the Perle Noire was designed to carry up to 60 passengers on short cruises, particularly within the city of Paris. Its propulsion is fully electric, combining lithium-ion battery power with a hydraulic transmission system.
Key Technical Specifications
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Length | 22.5 metres |
| Passenger capacity | Up to 60 |
| Weight | 70 tonnes |
| Main propulsion | 3 Hydro-Armor outboards (Torqeedo Deep Blue 100i motors) |
| Battery system | 6 Deep Blue 80 batteries (total 480 kWh) |
| Bow thruster | Deep Blue 50 |
| Estimated range | Approximately 2 hours without recharging |
| Additional energy supply | 40 m² solar panel roof |
The onboard electricity powers hydraulic pumps that drive the propellers. The same battery system supplies power to all onboard systems.
Industrial Collaboration and Technical Integration
The Perle Noire project was developed through a partnership involving:
- SEINE ALLIANCE, a Paris-based inland waterway operator.
- Torqeedo, a German company specialising in electric marine propulsion.
- Hydro-Armor, a Breton company responsible for integrating the propulsion system into custom-built outboards.
The system relies on Torqeedo’s Deep Blue motors, which are already used in various commercial and port applications. The use of hydraulic propulsion helps ensure maneuverability in narrow urban waterways.
A Project Aligned with the Shift Toward Low-Carbon Transport
The Perle Noire is presented as a prototype aimed at evaluating both the onboard technology and its viability for commercial passenger services. SEINE ALLIANCE has previously conducted similar initiatives, including the launch of a fully electric vessel in 2019.
This development aligns with broader policies to decarbonise inland water transport. According to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME, 2023), fewer than 10% of professional river vessels currently use alternative propulsion (electric, hybrid, or gas). France’s Directorate for Infrastructure, Transport and the Sea (DGITM) also supports energy transition projects through various financial assistance schemes.
Outlook and Current Limitations
The launch of the Perle Noire reflects a gradual evolution in river transport, particularly in metropolitan areas where noise reduction, air quality and tourism management are key concerns. However, large-scale adoption of this type of vessel still faces several challenges:
- High acquisition and retrofit costs.
- Limited charging infrastructure along urban riverbanks.
- Battery lifespan and recycling issues.