Boat Lift has placed its first 100-tonne electric Croc Lift amphibious trailer into service in La Rochelle, France. The company developed the unit in collaboration with French catamaran manufacturer Fountaine Pajot, where the trailer currently is in operation.
The Croc Lift is built to operate in partial immersion, allowing shipyards to haul and launch catamarans using a ramp. Rated at 100 tonnes, the electric version replaces the conventional diesel engine with a liquid-cooled motor adapted from the automotive sector and supported by a latest-generation inverter. The set-up delivers immediate torque from low speeds and maintains a compact overall footprint.
Travel and lifting functions run through hydraulic drives that use biodegradable oil. This helps limit the environmental impact in case of accidental leakage into the water. The electric drive system also requires less routine servicing, as it contains fewer components subject to wear than traditional solutions.
Power comes from a lithium battery designed to match the expected workload of the yard. The system supports extended operating periods, and the onboard charger allows fast recharging and enables partial charging without affecting battery lifespan.
As an amphibious unit intended for in-water handling, the Croc Lift features raised watertight compartments that protect sensitive equipment during immersion. The structure also undergoes anti-corrosion treatment to withstand constant exposure to marine conditions.
Boat Lift is also extending electrification to its Pelican Lift mobile dockside crane, with two electric units scheduled to arrive in the Azores in the coming months.
The Pelican Lift mobile dockside crane entered the market in 2023 and is built to handle yachts, sailing boats and catamarans. Its front cantilever beam can extend beyond the dock edge and allows lifting operations in locations without fixed waterfront infrastructure. The crane’s geometry provides an operating radius that avoids contact with masts, rigging and superstructures.
