25 APRIL 2026 UNDERSTANDING THE CAPEX–OPEX BALANCE Total cost of ownership in the ferry sector depends on the balance between upfront investment and long-term oper- ation. Over a typical 20-year lifecycle, CAPEX covers the vessel itself including the hull, propulsion system, battery packs (for electric vessels) and any necessary charging in- frastructure. Meanwhile, operating expenditure (OPEX) encompasses energy or fuel costs, maintenance, crew re- quirements, and battery replacements when applicable. Electric displacement vessels increase CAPEX due to battery systems and charging equipment with electric hydrofoil vessels typically having an additional premium reflecting the complexity of foil structures and control sys- tems. These initial disparities can make procurement teams hesitant. The operating picture, however, is a steep change for operators. Electric vessels significantly reduce fuel costs and eliminate maintenance associated with exhaust systems and complex drivetrains. Hydrofoil vessels further amplify these advantages—using hydrodynamic lift to reduce drag by more than 80 percent. This leads to reduced battery re- quirements, shorter charging windows and lower long-term infrastructural demands. Crucially, these efficiency gains are not only realized over the full asset lifecycle. In operating environments characterized by high and volatile fuel prices, particularly where costly bio- fuels are mandated, electric hydrofoil vessels can achieve pay- back periods in as little as three years. This enables operators to capture meaningful cost savings early in deployment, rath- er than waiting for long-term lifecycle benefits to materialize. The result is that diesel, while still the lowest CAPEX op- tion, is increasingly difficult to justify over a procurement and operational lifecycle, particularly on high-frequency routes where OPEX dominates the cost stack. This dynam- ic further strengthens the case for high-efficiency electric hydrofoil solutions, where both early-stage and long-term savings are most pronounced. From 6 to 200kW Available with or without enclosures 6 to 200kW For global support, contact John McKinnon at 770-601-6880 or john.mckinnon@kohler.com Available from 20 to 175kW Available 6 to 200kW Available 6 to 200kW *Products shown are not to scale Kohler Marine is now
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