Hoorn, 28 September 2026 — Novi Marine has presented the Gemini WR880 Hybrid Cabin RIB at the Workboat Show in Hoorn. The nine-metre professional workboat combines conventional and electric propulsion and can operate fully electrically, enabling deployment without local emissions in urban and ecologically sensitive waterways. The vessel is available for charter and will also serve as a professional demonstration platform for hybrid and electric propulsion.
A platform for multiple operational applications
The Gemini WR880 Cabin RIB is designed for survey, inspection, surveillance and law-enforcement duties on the water. Its enclosed wheelhouse protects the crew from wind and weather, supporting extended operations in challenging conditions. This reflects a growing trend in neighbouring countries, including Germany, where a cabin is increasingly required for offshore operations involving longer periods on board. The WR880 Cabin RIB is configured for these requirements and international deployment.
The hybrid configuration allows the crew to select fully electric operation without local emissions or conventional propulsion via the Yamaha outboard, depending on the mission. The vessel has been built to European class and will enter service on an offshore wind project in early November.
Hybrid propulsion: two systems, one platform
For longer transits and rapid deployment, the vessel is powered by a Yamaha F350NSBU four-stroke outboard with steer-by-wire functionality. It is fully integrated with the HelmMaster system up to Level 5+, providing precise control and excellent manoeuvrability.
Two HARMO 2.0 electric drive units enable fully electric operation without local emissions. The units can rotate through 140 degrees and are controlled entirely by joystick, delivering precise manoeuvring in urban waterways and during infrastructure inspections. A Vetus Bow Pro bow thruster further improves directional control.
A Victron LiFePO4 Next Generation 48V battery system supplies the electric propulsion system, combined with a Victron MultiPlus II inverter/charger.
Navigation, detection and communications
The Gemini WR880 Hybrid Cabin RIB carries an integrated navigation and detection package. Garmin GPSMAP 8416 chartplotters with radar, Garmin Panoptix LiveScope sonar and a Garmin MSC 10 GPS compass form the core of the system. A SIONYX Nightwave D1 night-vision camera with a Black Silicon CMOS sensor supports operations at night and in restricted visibility. Starlink satellite communications provide connectivity on location.
The next step in professional hybrid RIBs
Novi Marine supplies professional vessels to port authorities, law-enforcement organisations, fire brigades and offshore operators. Following the earlier delivery of a Gemini WR650 Hybrid Patrol RIB to Antwerp City Harbour, this WR880 Hybrid Cabin RIB marks the next step in the development of professional hybrid workboats. Novi Marine provides full after-sales service and technical support alongside the vessel.
View the specifications and availability of the Gemini WR880 Hybrid Cabin RIB Greenpoint 2.
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