The National Audubon Society has launched its first fully electric passenger vessel. The famed conservation organization, which protects bird across the Americas, launched the emission-free boat at its Hog Island Audubon Camp in Bremen, Maine.
The National Audubon Society’s Seabird Institute, working with ePropulsion (via its North America distributor Mack Boring & Parts) launched a refurbished pontoon boat powered by a 20kW ePropulsion X20 electric outboard motor. The vessel transports people and supplies between the mainland, Hog Island and other coastal research operations from April through October. On busy operational days, the boat can make more than 25 round trips between Hog Island and the mainland.
“Hog Island is becoming Audubon’s model for understanding environmental change and developing adaptation and resilience solutions,” said Laurie Bragg, center director for Audubon’s Seabird Institute. “It takes partnerships, expertise, creativity and a willingness to invest in climate-friendly solutions to achieve a more resilient future. This investment from Island Institute and ePropulsion not only allows us to reduce our footprint, but it provides an opportunity to educate campers from across the country about coastal resilience.”
“For more than five years, we’ve worked alongside Maine’s commercial boat operators to prove that electric propulsion can hold up on a working waterfront,” said Lia Morris, senior community development officer at Island Institute. “Hog Island gives us a chance to bring that same work into a new setting and show just how many ways this technology can support coastal operations. The case for clean, quiet boats keeps getting stronger.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Island Institute to help bring awareness of the capabilities of electric propulsion to the State of Maine, both in recreational and commercial applications,” said Tom Watson, president of ePropulsion Americas.
“Our cutting-edge technology provides quiet, sustainable and effective propulsion that allows visitors of Hog Island to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the region, without disturbing the natural habitat. We are grateful for this continued partnership with Island Institute and the trust of the National Audubon Society in allowing us to safeguard their guests and this fragile ecosystem.”
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