As a builder of boats, tenders, and commercial vessels, you don’t have time for experimentation. You need a reliable solution that works. Always.
Electric boating may seem like a modern revolution, but its roots trace back to Arka. Since 1978, we have been leading the charge, developing electric drives for various vessels—from luxury tenders to light commercial boats. Our journey has been one of continuous innovation, driven by our passion for delivering world-class solutions that exceed expectations.
At Arka, we understand that electric boating is more than just a propulsion choice—it's a commitment to a sustainable future, a quieter experience on the water, and unmatched reliability. That’s why our products are trusted by shipyards and boatbuilders who demand the very best for their customers.
We don’t aim to be flashy—we aim to be dependable. This philosophy has earned us a reputation for producing propulsion systems that perform flawlessly, year after year, under the most demanding conditions.
Our History
1978
Founding of Arka
In 1978, Bennie Arendshorst piloted Giethoorn’s first electric boat powered by a repurposed Ford starter motor mounted on a plank and connected to car batteries. It marked the start of a quiet revolution. What followed was a period of hands-on experimentation: from hydraulic drives in traditional punters to forklift motors fitted into outboards with just two settings, on or off. The real breakthrough came with a compact 1100W wheelchair motor from Creusen. Arka transformed it into a fully watertight propulsion system. Speed control remained a challenge, initially solved with battery switching, and later with transistor-based controllers kept cool using frozen gel packs. Through a close partnership with Sevcon, and by pioneering the use of MOSFET and AC controllers, Arka helped raise the bar once again. Field testing and real-world feedback made Arka a key contributor to the development of today’s quiet, clean, and reliable electric boating systems.
2025
Part of Blokland Group
As of January 2025, Arka is proud to be part of the Blokland Group. This acquisition brings Arka into a strong collective of leading companies in (electric) propulsion, supported by an extensive network within the maritime industry. It enables us to serve our customers even better, while continuing to deliver the trusted quality, service, and specialist expertise that have defined Arka since 1978.
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