Dutch-Thai collaboration launches electric boat prototype in Bangkok

Bangkok, 21 April 2026 – An innovative electric boat has been introduced in the Bang Mot canal community, marking a new step in cooperation between Thailand and the Netherlands on sustainable urban mobility. The initiative aims to make transport cleaner, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life in the city.
 

The boat was developed in collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with support from the Netherlands Climate and Energy Response Facility and local partners.
 

What makes this project notable is that the vessel is not new, but a converted diesel boat previously used for waste collection. Engineers replaced the combustion engine with an electric system powered by reused battery cells from high-end electric vehicles like Tesla and BMW. This approach makes the project not only more sustainable, but also cost-efficient and easier to maintain locally.
 

According to the project partners, the conversion results in energy savings of around 60 percent. The electric boat also operates fully emission-free, producing no noise, smoke, or fine dust, which contributes to a cleaner and more pleasant urban environment. The launch was attended by Chadchart Sittipunt, who described the project as a strong example of how cooperation between government, academic institutions, and international partners can lead to practical solutions for urban challenges.
 

In addition to its environmental benefits, the initiative also creates opportunities for tourism and the local economy. The distinctive orange boat will take visitors along the Bang Mot canal, allowing them to explore local culture, street art, and food spots. Remco van Wijngaarden highlighted that this collaboration shows how international expertise can be effectively applied to local climate solutions. With this initiative, Bangkok takes another step towards more sustainable urban transport, driven by innovation and cooperation.