Helsinki-based startup Skipperi gets funding from Nefco’s Green Recovery Loan Programme which is offered to companies with green and sustainable solutions that are experiencing challenges to realise their plans for international growth. Skipperi develops easy and sustainable ways to make the boating experience accessible and affordable for everyone.
Now the company is adding electric boats to its service in Finland and Sweden with the aim of making boating more sustainable. Through Nefco’s Green Recovery loan program, Skipperi has received funding for piloting electric boats in the Nordic countries and collecting user data for future expansion.
“In 2018, we started with the shared use of rowing boats in Espoo, and the very next year we introduced Skipperi Fleet, a monthly paid boating sharing service,” says Skipperi’s founder Anna-Leena Raij.
Nefco is an international financial institution (IFI) that finances the initial scale-up of Nordic green solutions on international markets. Founded in 1990 by the five Nordic countries, they serve the interests of their owners, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and take concrete actions to accelerate the green transition aligned with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, the Paris Agreement, the EU Green Deal and the Nordic Vision 2030.
“Skipper’s shift towards electric boats reduces greenhouse gas emissions and pollution compared to combustion engine-powered boats, which shows the way to an even more sustainable boating industry. We are happy to contribute to the growth of companies using digital systems in environmental protection. An example of this is Skipper’s way of utilizing geofencing technology”, says Nefco Investment Officer Meeri Kaurissaari.
Skipperi’s electric boats have an emission-free propulsion system that reduces carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. In addition, the risk of oil leaks into the water and the noise produced by the boat disturbing marine animals are lower than with combustion engines using fossil fuels.
Skipperi’s fully digital ordering system makes boating easier for customers and reduces their environmental impact. All boats use geofencing technology to protect marine habitats and sensitive ecosystems.
“What makes Skipper unique is our strong focus on technology. We bring a digital experience to customers in real time. Skipper’s geofencing feature informs boaters of speed limit areas and sensitive environmental areas, while the Destination function helps users plan short trips, which promotes sustainable boating,” says Raij.
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