A refurbished pontoon boat fitted with a 20-kW ePropulsion X20 electric outboard has begun operating at Hog Island Audubon Camp in Bremen, Maine.
The National Audubon Society’s Seabird Institute and Island Institute launched the boat with ePropulsion, working through its North American distributor, Mack Boring & Parts Co. The vessel carries people and supplies between the mainland, Hog Island, and other coastal research operations from April through October. On busy days, it can make more than 25 round trips between the island and the mainland.
Hog Island is the National Audubon Society’s only residential camp. It hosts hundreds of campers, volunteers, researchers, and other visitors each year for programs focused on conservation, ornithology, and ecology.
The electric outboard reduces engine noise in an area used for wildlife observation and research. The project partners also expect the boat to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, though they did not provide cost estimates.
Island Institute said it has supported the conversion of 23 vessels to electric propulsion since 2020 across aquaculture, fishing and other coastal operations in Maine.
Island Institute and its partners demonstrated the boat to funders, utilities, government officials and other stakeholders at Hog Island on Sept. 18. Its electric boat initiative receives support from Builders Vision, Maine Technology Institute, the state of Maine, and corporate sponsors.
