Maine oyster farming goes electric with new workboats, high speed charging

Custom-built electric workboats and high speed marine charging stations are coming to Maine oyster farming with a project funded by a $500,000 grant from the US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy plus another $500,000 in matching funds. The goal is to lead the way for a new era of eco-conscious US aquaculture.

The project is being launched at Maine Ocean Farms in an initiative led by the Aqua superPower network of fast chargers, in partnership with Maine Clean Communities. Fogg’s Boatworks in North Yarmouth, Maine, will design and build the custom workboat, featuring  an advanced electric powertrain by Vita Power.

The aquaculture industry is booming, with 15% annual growth, but rapid scaling and increased farm density has increased reliance on traditional on gasoline powered workboats, generators, pumps, and processing equipment.

Maine Ocean Farms is a leader in improving the sustainably of cultivation, with their oysters served at restaurants throughout New England and as far away as California.

The addition of electric workboats and charging infrastructure will drastically cut the operation’s carbon footprint and reduce noise, air, and water pollution. Improved water quality and a healthier overall marine ecosystem make for cleaner, tastier oysters.

Leader in Maine oyster farming sustainability

The company first came onto the radar of Aqua superPower’s Vice President of US Business Development, Scott Canning, when he heard they had co-developed a 100% compostable and biodegradable harvest bag to reduce marine plastic pollution.

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

Aluminum alloy boats with Vita electric drive

Fogg’s Boatworks is recognized for its custom-built welded aluminum alloy boats with classic design, durability and a smooth, efficient ride that has been proven over more than four decades of use in Maine fisheries. Vita Power will design and manufacture the electric powertrain with suitable battery size and power output for the new fleet vessel. Aqua superPower will install two DC marine fast charging stations.

Electric boats have a growing presence in the Norwegian aquaculture industry, and some other Aqua superPower projects demonstrate how the impact of electrifying boats can have a wider impact. In Nova Scotia, Canada, the company is part of a project monitoring the viability of Vessel To Grid (V2G) systems where energy from the batteries of boats can be fed back to the onshore grid for use by utility customers on land.

Read: Vessel 2 Grid systems in Canada / UK pilot project

Maine Clean Communities is a coalition that promotes the use of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in Maine. It works to reduce petroleum consumption, improve air quality, and increase energy independence by supporting the adoption of cleaner transportation options. As part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, Maine Clean Communities collaborates with local stakeholders to advance the use of electric vehicles, biofuels, and other clean transportation technologies across the state.

Director Sara Mills-Knapp said “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 Maine oyster farming and the aquaculture industry overall. We expect it can serve as a model that can be replicated by other coastal operations, helping to build a more sustainable and resilient marine economy in Maine.”

Willy Leathers, Director of Farm Operations and Founding Partner of Maine Ocean Farms said, “The project will provide data and real-time experience for other farmers and industry members. We are always looking for ways to improve our operations and embrace new technologies that can drive positive environmental change and support local economic growth.”

The team will gather data to measure environmental and emissions reductions as well as the performance of the electric workboats and charging station. The Aqua charging station can support a full fleet of e-boats and is ready to service other oyster farms and aquaculture companies compelled by the results of this ground-breaking project.

Aqua superPower  Fogg’s Boatworks  Vita