Island Institute’s demonstration projects will evaluate electric propulsion performance across U.S. fishing and workboat applications.
Marine electric propulsion specialist ePropulsion has been selected by the Maine-based non-profit Island Institute to support studies and demonstration projects evaluating alternative power solutions for commercial fishing and broader maritime applications.
Island Institute in partnership with Spruce Head Fisherman’s Co-op, Fogg’s Boatworks and ePropulsion, through its North American distributor Mack Boring & Parts, have launched its newest vessel in Maine. Wattson will be used to support daily co-op operations using electric propulsion. Using ePropulsion’s X-20 powered by a G230 23.5kWh battery, the 16-foot aluminium alloy skiff will tackle nearshore commercial operations like towing lobster crates at the Spruce Head Co-op, as the first high-voltage workboat used by Maine lobstermen. Over the last, almost five years, Island Institute has supported the transition of over 20 vessels to electric.
This boat spends its time transporting crew and equipment to the moorings of the commercial fleet in the harbour and moving up to 3 tonnes of lobster to the dock for wholesale distribution. Due to its high torque electric motor, the power is transferred efficiently to propulsive power with low power consumption. Typically, this boat can run for several days on a single charge with its current duty cycle and can be fully recharged overnight with standard 110 shore power. Although the vessel spends most of its time below 5 mph it can achieve planing speeds of 13 mph.
“We’re excited to be a part of this momentous milestone in the commercial use of electric propulsion technology in Maine,” said Tom Watson, President of ePropulsion Americas. “We’re grateful to Island Institute for initiating this project and all of the partners involved for their trust in ePropulsion to help get the job done, cleanly and safely. We look forward to proving that our advanced, sustainable electric power and propulsion can continue to lead the way on the water in both recreational and commercial applications.”
“Launching Wattson marks a historic first, not just for Maine, but for commercial fishing operations around the world looking for a model that works on the water today,” said Lia Morris, Senior Community Development Officer of the Island Institute. “Our mission has always been to help coastal communities thrive, and that means meeting fishermen where they are. ePropulsion gave us the technology to do that without compromising what matters most, reliability, performance, and supporting climate adaptation in heritage industries.”
“It has been great to see all of the different partners come together on this venture and we can’t wait to put this vessel to work at the Co-op,” said Jarod Bray, Spruce Head Co-op and active member of the Maine Lobsterman’s Association. “Fishing is an important part of our communities, and managing it responsibly is key to keeping it sustainable long term. Taking small, gradual steps to incorporate new technology, where it fits, can help us better understand how these tools can work within our fishery and support livelihoods for generations to come.”
“We are thrilled to have been selected to design and build the platform for this exciting project,” said Patrick Fogg, President of Fogg’s Boatworks, LLC. “Our skiff was designed to be a classic, simple, and versatile work platform, specifically engineered to integrate and perform well with the ePropulsion X-20 system and the commercial applications required by the Spruce Head Fishermen’s Co-op. The performance and design of the X-20 system were very impressive. We believe this package has a wide range of uses for co-ops like Spruce Head, boatyards, marinas, and many other commercial applications that demand durability, efficiency, and low-end power.”
Partnering with market leaders across the globe, Island Institute is putting recognised electric propulsion technology in the hands of commercial users. By launching demo boats, building out a pathway to expand shore-side charging infrastructure, and elevating Maine’s profile as a leader in electric propulsion, the Institute aims to increase the adoption of climate-friendly technology that strengthens the resilience of Maine’s coastal economies and communities. Island Institute’s electric boat initiative is made possible with funding support from Builders Vision, Maine Technology Institute (MTI), the State of Maine, and corporate sponsors.
