ePropulsion Americas, a global marine electric propulsion systems and services company, announced April 30 that its award-winning electric propulsion system was selected by the Island Institute to be used in studies and demonstrations for alternative power use in commercial fishing and 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 and Parts, launched its newest vessel,Wattson. The boat 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 aluminum alloy skiff will tackle nearshore commercial operations, such as towing lobster crates at the Spruce Head Co-op. Over the last, almost five years, Island Institute has supported the transition of over 20 vessels to electric.

The boat spends its time transporting crew and equipment to the moorings of the commercial fleet in the harbor and moving up to three tons 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, in a news release. “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, in the release. “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.”

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.

For more information on ePropulsion or its electric motors and accessories, visit ePropulsion.com. For more information about Island Institute, visit islandinstitute.org or contact Lia Morris, Senior Community Development Officer, Island Institute, 207-319-3041 or email lmorris@islandinstitute.org.

About ePropulsion

ePropulsion was set up in 2012 and is led by a team of technology entrepreneurs that are focused on developing uncompromising superior products. Since the company launched its first electric outboard it has fast become a force to be reckoned with in the electric propulsion market with a presence across Europe, the US and Asia. ePropulsion set out with a clear mission to become the global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services. This pioneering, market challenger brand is at the very forefront of the industry and is recognized across the world for its exceptional product quality, performance, and technological innovations.

ePropulsion was the first company to launch a brushless, direct-drive electric outboard motor in the market and offers a portfolio of 1 – 6kW outboard engines across its Spirit and Navy ranges. In 2022, ePropulsion expanded its OEM capabilities with the global debut of the H-Series, an innovative 60-250kW electric inboard motor for vessels between 60 to 100’ (18-30m) with full displacement up to 200 tons.

Subsequently, the I-Series was introduced, an electric inboard motor series with advanced technology, smart features, and human-centric design. The latest additions to the lineup include the X Series and the eLite Motor. Unveiled at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and METSTRADE 2023, the X Series features three innovative electric outboard motors—X12, X20, and X40—delivering remarkable propulsion systems with ingenious features. The all-new eLite is the smallest electric outboard in ePropulsion’s portfolio.

About the Island Institute

Founded in 1983 and based in Rockland, Island Institute is a community development nonprofit that navigates climate and economic change with island and coastal communities to expand opportunities and deliver solutions. For more information, visit islandinstitute.org.