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Marine Electrification
Demonstrating the potential of marine technology in Maine’s working waterfronts.
​The Maine Ocean Farms electrification project aims to electrify marine vessels and deploy high-power marine charging infrastructure to reduce emissions and create a replicable model for future adoption. Maine Clean Communities is collaborating with Aqua SuperPower, Vita Power, and Maine Ocean Farms to identify appropriate electric propulsion power trains and main work vessel, and build two shoreside marine fast charging stations.
Electric workboat design
Designed by Fogg Boatworks, a Maine-based boatbuilder, the project’s new electric workboat is in final development, balancing operational efficiency with sustainability.
Project Scope
Maine Ocean Farms (MOF) is a 10-acre oyster farm in the waters of Freeport, ME currently using diesel and gasoline powered vessels in their operations 10 months of the year. As the aquaculture industry steadily grows, much of it relies on boats that can be major sources of carbon emissions, fuel spillage, and noise pollution. The marine sector is core to the economic health and resilience of Maine, by transitioning MOF vessels from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric marine this project will demonstrate the viability, emissions and cost saving advantages of marine electrification.
​Reduction of emissions
A typical 40-foot dayboat uses 0.75 - 1.9 miles per gallon of diesel fuel and produces approximately 1.4 US tons of CO2 emissions. Considering that gasoline alternates, such as ethanol blends, are problematic in the marine environment, the optimal solution to reduce marine emissions is to fully electrify the commercial and recreational marine sector. Bearing in mind the impact of Maine’s fishing economy, its protection from fuel and noise pollution through electrification is critical.
Improved data sources for marine emissions
There is currently limited data about the amount of fuel and emissions coming from the marine industry in Maine. This electrification pilot will help provide Maine and other marine industries with data they need, where it is not yet documented. The data will allow coastal operations to make informed decisions about electric boat adoption.
Building resilience in Maine’s coastal economy
With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Maine has a strong and continuously growing marine economy with over $890 million of harvested resources (shellfish, seaweed, fish, etc.). Maine’s primary marine export is lobster; however, the state also has thriving fishing, aquaculture, life science, clean energy, tourism, and other waterfront businesses. The industry will need to adapt by reducing emissions and adopting new technologies and approaches.
Workforce development
This project provides direct support to the Maine Jobs & Recovery Program, which will result in new job opportunities for the electric marine industry. Maine is actively investing in resources to create job opportunities for servicing electric vehicles through universities, trade schools, and community colleges. This includes adding electric technician programs.
Project Goals
01
Develop a replicable pilot to showcase the path to electrifying marine vessels across the state and to document the emissions
and environmental benefits that are realized.
02
Improve tracking of emissions from Maine marine vessel fuel usage, contribute data and share knowledge about marine electrification with stakeholders.
03
Design and fabricate a 28-foot work boat with an electric propulsion system.
04
Upgrade the existing electrical supply to support the power requirements of the DC charger at each project site.
05
Install DC marine chargers at two marina locations within Casco Bay to enable charging of recreational and commercial electric vessels.
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Design and Engineering
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​Research charging locations and perform site visits.
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Design electrical plans for infrastructure install.
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Design workboat and engineer power train integration.
Installation and Fabrication
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Electrical design for new site upgrades including utility and contractor coordination.
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Install charging infrastructure at two locations.
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Fabricate workboat hull.
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Construct powertrain.
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Install electric power train in hull for primary workboat.
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Test all systems for proper electrical safety and integration.
System Trial and Data Collection
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Begin data collection and operational trial with routine farm operations.
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Undertake any modifications or system updates with feedback from infrastructure and system trials.
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Schedule promotional demonstrations, farm tours, and public outreach events.
Marine Electrification News
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Office of Vehicle Technologies Award Number DE-EE0010636.
​The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the United States Government.