Ruban Bleu expands and goes beyond the river sector

Engines designed by Ruban Bleu

Ruban Bleu, founded in 1992, is a pioneer in the development of electric boats for river rental bases and protected waterways.

After more than 20 years of purchasing engines from foreign suppliers, in 2019 the company decided to develop its own models.

“Historically, we have brought our engines from Austria or the USA. Faced with a difficult relationship with suppliers and thanks to a good knowledge of our customers and feedback from river tenants, we decided to start producing our own engines.

We have found a French company that will be able to carry out joint development with us.

She supplies the 80%-ready engines, and we finish the game in Ruban Bleu by adding blades and other elements, ”explains Thibault de Veyrinas, director of Ruban Bleu.

Propeller designed for electric boats

As the idea developed, Ruban Bleu developed several models of electric motors.

 The first of the line, 24-volt, has been equipping Ruban Bleu boats since 2019.

Since then, it has been joined by a 12V model for low power.

«We are now entering phase 3 with the design of the 48-volt motor for the highest power, which allows us to reach 4.5 kW, the maximum for unlicensed boats.

But we also wanted to go further by developing a special propeller for electrical energy needs that would primarily limit consumption, not speed.

To achieve this goal, we are working with a school in Nantes, ICAM.

We are sailing a little against the current, considering what is happening at the moment with high voltages and high flow rates, ”emphasizes Thibault de Veyrinas.

Development direction Ruban Bleu besides rivers

Ruban Bleu wants to expand its offer and strengthen its solidity with its activities in the field of motorization.

“This is the strategic direction of the company's development, after our 1st evolution in escort services to the assembly of boat rental bases.

In 2020, we supplied 150 engines, 90% of which for our boats, as well as spare and replacement parts for the clients of our rental bases.

We are going to install sailboat conversion packages for port exit and entry maneuvers, with a boat type mesh.

We've already equipped several dragons. I think we need to prepare for the increase in the number of electric motors for marine boats when the storage problem is solved, ”concludes Director Ruban Bleu.

09.03.2021