siliXcon at METSTRADE 2025: recap

METSTRADE 2025 (18–20 November, Amsterdam) has once again confirmed that electrification in the marine industry is no longer a niche topic. With more than 1,500 exhibitors, the show highlighted a clear trend: a growing demand for higher performance, silent operation, and smarter control.

While media headlines often focus on massive 300 hp (220 kW) systems running on 400+ V and 800 V architectures, the real shift for most leisure craft and tender manufacturers is happening elsewhere. The market is searching for the “golden middle ground” — solutions that overcome the limitations of traditional 48 V systems without requiring the cost and complexity of full automotive-grade High Voltage infrastructure.

Here are the key insights from Amsterdam — and where modern propulsion is truly heading.

1. The Limits of 48 V Systems and the Hunger for Power

For years, 48 V systems have been the standard for smaller boats. However, with increasing demands for faster planing and more dynamic ride characteristics, this voltage level is hitting physical limits. Achieving higher power at low voltage requires enormous currents, leading to:

• oversized and heavy cabling,
• higher energy losses,
• excessive heat buildup,
• and significant integration challenges.

OEMs and integrators at METSTRADE sent a clear message: We need higher power density.

2. The Rise of “Middle Voltage” (up to 120 V)

The answer isn’t always a jump to complex, high-voltage automotive architectures. The answer is Middle Voltage.

Increasing system voltage into the 100–120 V range is emerging as the ideal compromise for boats in the 3–10 meter segment. It allows for a dramatic boost in power and efficiency without the extreme certification requirements and safety costs associated with High Voltage systems (> 400 V).

This is exactly the segment siliXcon has been preparing for — and where our new generation of motor controllers is positioned.

3. AI and Intelligent Energy Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword — it’s becoming a core part of hardware. Modern e-powertrain systems showcased at METSTRADE are using AI for:

Predictive maintenance: The system detects bearing wear before a failure occurs.
Adaptive power distribution: Real-time energy optimization based on wave conditions and wind.
Route planning: Range calculations accurate to within a few meters.

Our controllers, equipped with advanced Field-Oriented Control (FOC), act as the “brain” capable of processing this data and adapting motor behavior in real time.

4. Sustainability and Regulation

Exhibitors are responding to stricter global regulations. Whether it’s Torqeedo or ePropulsion, all major brands are pushing toward zero-emission solutions and more sustainable materials. For us as a component supplier, this means one thing: our controllers must deliver not only high performance, but also industry-leading energy efficiency, helping OEMs meet demanding environmental standards.

Conclusion

METSTRADE 2025 confirmed that the future is electric, software-defined, and powered by higher voltages.
If you’re looking for a reliable heart for your electric propulsion system, our new Middle Voltage Controllers are ready for the challenges that shaped the future in Amsterdam this year.

Are you ready to elevate the voltage in your next project?