Maine Ocean Farms invests in electric workboats and fast charging

With a US$500,000 grant from the US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy plus another US$500,000 in matching funds, oyster farming company Maine Ocean Farms is investing in custom-built electric workboats and Aqua superPower’s marine fast charging.

Fast-charging electric workboats

Aqua superPower will lead the project, with partner Maine Clean Communities. Fogg’s Boatwoks in North Yarmouth, Maine, will design and build the custom workboat, which will feature an advanced electric powertrain from marine tech company Vita Power. Aqua superPower will install two DC marine fast charging stations.

Fogg’s Boatworks provides custom-built welded aluminum alloy boats that feature a smooth efficient ride and lasting durability. Vita Power will design and manufacture the electric powertrain with a suitable battery size and power output for the new fleet vessel.

The addition of electric workboats and Aqua superPower’s charging infrastructure will reduce the operation’s carbon footprint, helping to minimize noise, air and water pollution, leading to healthier marine ecosystems and improved water quality.

Sustainable marine electrification

As part of this project, the team will gather real-time data to measure environmental and emissions reductions. Collaborating with powertrain developer and manufacturer Vita Power, they will select the ideal system to transition vessels from ICE to electric. This project will showcase these technologies in action, providing a blueprint for other farmers and live data on their benefits.

“Maine Ocean Farms strives to continuously innovate our operations, embracing new technologies that can drive positive environmental change while supporting local economic growth,” said Willy Leathers, director of farm operations and founding partner of Maine Ocean Farms. “This project will demonstrate these technologies in action, providing data and real-time experience to other farmers and industry members.”

Scott Canning, vice president of US business development, North America, Aqua superpower, commented, “Once I met Willy and his team, it became clear to me that Maine Ocean Farms was an ideal candidate for marine electrification. Electric propulsion makes the seafood supply chain more resilient and sustainable. However electric boats must be supported with a robust and reliable charging infrastructure, that’s Aqua’s part of the equation.”

Sara Mills-Knapp, director of Maine Clean Communities, added, “The electrification of Maine Ocean Farms represents more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a pioneering model for the future of aquaculture. This project will demonstrate the viability of electric marine technology for the aquaculture industry. We expect it to serve as a model that can be replicated by other coastal operations, helping to build a more sustainable and resilient marine economy in Maine.”

In related news, UK Research and Innovation has granted £6m (US$7.6m) of UK government funding to Coastal Workboats to design and build the first fully electric workboat and charging station for the Shetland Islands. Click here to read the full story.