British marine technology company RAD, which develops electric propulsion and autonomous vessel control solutions for unmanned and crewed maritime platforms, has appointed KENT Marine Equipment as its supply and integration partner for RAD electric propulsion systems in France.
The partnership adds the RAD 40, a 40 kW electric outboard, to the portfolio of KENT Marine Equipment, part of KENT Group, which supplies marine power and propulsion equipment to shipowners, naval architects, boatbuilders, and operators. Under the agreement, KENT will support customers from initial specification through to installation. Alongside standalone electric propulsion solutions, the distributor can pair RAD drives with its MASE marine generators and Dynawatt alternators to provide hybrid configurations with extended operating range.
Designed for electric marine propulsion, the RAD 40 features drive-by-wire control and 180 degrees of steering to support precise vessel handling at low speeds and in confined waters. The compact unit eliminates the need for external steering gear and remains behind the transom when tilted, simplifying installation on both new builds and vessel refits.
The RAD 40’s drive-by-wire architecture is a key enabler for remote and autonomous operation. Integrated with RAD’s autonomy software and vessel control systems, RAD propulsion enables accurate waypoint tracking, station keeping and autonomous manoeuvring.
The RAD 40 also forms the basis of the RAD Power Console, an all-in-one motor and battery unit designed to make virtually any unmanned or autonomous vessel platform fully electric. Its low acoustic, vibration and thermal signatures are particularly relevant for Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and defense, security and survey applications.
Matthieu Dechamps, Product Development Director at KENT Group, commented, “We chose RAD because the RAD 40 performs at the level our professional customers expect. Try it once and you’ll be convinced. It runs silently, without vibration and requires very little maintenance. What stands out most is its manoeuvrability, which comes from an architecture designed specifically for electric propulsion.
“Combined with our MASE generators and Dynawatt alternators, we can offer operators hybrid configurations with the range they need. RAD is a highly respected team, recognised for its innovation and its commitment to the future of marine operations, and we’re proud to work alongside them.”
The appointment forms part of RAD’s wider dealer and partner network strategy, positioning the company to serve commercial, workboat, and professional operators across France.
Chris Shepherd, Chief Commercial Officer at RAD, added, “KENT brings strong engineering capability and a trusted presence with French shipowners and boatbuilders. Their ability to integrate RAD drives alongside their own generator and alternator range gives operators a complete, supported solution from a single partner. We’re looking forward to putting the RAD 40 in front of customers at the Nantes sea trials.”
Shipowners, naval architects, boatbuilders, and operators will have an opportunity to test the RAD 40 aboard a demonstration vessel during sea trials in Nantes from 3 to 5 November 2026. Interested parties can contact a KENT sales representative to book a trial slot via the company’s technical contact page.
