All-electric Lobster Fishing Vessel Moves Towards Next Phase
December 4, 2025
HALIFAX—The first generation of electric lobster boats could soon be arriving in Nova Scotia.
The Lektrike’l Walipotl Membertou Electric Lobster Boat Commercial Fishing Demonstration Project—a partnership between Membertou, Oceans North, Allswater, and BlueGrid—announced today that work to build and commercially demonstrate the lobster fishing vessel powered by electricity will soon commence.
“Membertou is incredibly proud to be moving forward with the development of Canada’s first electric fishing vessel,” say Terrance Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou. “The electric boat is a natural next step in our drive to become clean energy leaders and will play an important role in unlocking the benefits of marine electrification for the next generation of fishers.”
The project team has been working for several years to assess the benefits of marine electrification in Canada, including climate benefits from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and economic benefits from locally producing modern, state-of-the-art electric vessels, explains Sheena Kennedy, Oceans North’s Executive Director.
“The project demonstrates how climate action presents an economic opportunity for Canada’s fisheries and boatbuilding sectors while significantly reducing impacts on the environment.”
– Sheena Kennedy, Executive Director of Oceans North
“The Membertou electric boat is an exciting milestone in Canada’s marine energy transition,” says Kennedy. “The project demonstrates how climate action presents an economic opportunity for Canada’s fisheries and boatbuilding sectors while significantly reducing impacts on the environment.”
The latest step in the project follows the completion of an energy audit of several Membertou fishing vessels and a detailed vessel design, which ensures that the all-electric fishing vessel will match and exceed the performance of their current vessels.
In 2023, Oceans North released the Nova Scotia Lobster Fleet Electrification Assessment, which found that established battery-electric technologies combined with many vessels’ predictable, close-to-shore routes meant a substantial part of the fleet could be electrified. The current vessel design will also serve to electrify a variety of workboats beyond near-shore fishing boats to include aquaculture boats, workboats, tour boats and patrol boats.
“This is the kind of project where everyone brings something essential to the table,” says Rob Crutcher, President and CEO of Allswater. “For Allswater, it’s about creating the design and making sure the build comes together the way it should. People talk about electric boats as ‘the future,’ but we’re actually building one and showing how it works in real fishing conditions. That’s what makes this project so exciting.”
At the same time, the group studied the associated bi-directional charging infrastructure that could help unlock the full value of electric vessels by allowing them to store and return energy to the grid when idle, potentially generating extra revenue for fishers and enhancing the resilience of coastal grids.
Image – A rendering produced by Allswater depicts what the zero-emission lobster vessel, a model called the OPUS42 Electric, could look like when completed.
“This vessel isn’t just an electric fishing boat; it can be an energy storage asset,” says Andrew Boswell, CEO of BlueGrid. “We’re advancing bi-directional vessel-to-grid charging, which enables onboard batteries to support the local electrical grid during peak demand—a model that has the potential to integrate sustainable fishing with a green grid.”
With procurement of major systems in progress, the project is on track for vessel construction to begin in early 2026, paving the way for fishing trials in 2027.
The project team gratefully acknowledges financial support from the Ocean Supercluster, the Province of Nova Scotia, the Climate Works Foundation, Oceankind, and the Royal Bank of Canada.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Alex Tesar
Communications Director
Oceans North
[email protected]
Kelsea MacNeil
Director, Public Relations & Business Development
Membertou Development Corporation
[email protected]
Mike Cyr
Marketing and Communications Lead
Allswater
[email protected]
Port of Vancouver E-Methanol Study
Published November 2025
As part of our work to decarbonize the marine industry, Oceans North has partnered with Arup, a global engineering consultancy with expertise in infrastructure, energy, and sustainability, to advance a conceptual development plan for a large-scale e-methanol production plant to fuel bulk carriers and cruise ships calling at the Port of Vancouver. The goal of the study was to bring the idea of e-methanol from a general possibility to a more specific technical understanding.
Oceans North Celebrates Provincial Investment in Electric Lobster Vessel
February 28, 2025
HALIFAX—Oceans North is celebrating a new $250,000 commitment from Nova Scotia towards building an electric lobster vessel that will reduce emissions, improve working conditions for fishers, and position the province as a leader in an emerging industry.
“This is an important investment on the part of Nova Scotia, and it shows how climate action and economic development can go hand in hand,” says Brent Dancey, Oceans North’s director of marine climate action.
The L’Ektrikel Walipotl project is a partnership between Membertou, Allswater, BlueGrid and Oceans North to design and build Canada’s first all-electric lobster fishing vessel. In a 2023 report, Oceans North found that many of Nova Scotia’s lobster fishing vessels were good candidates for electrification, both because they operated relatively close to shore on predictable routes and because the technology already exists to make it a reality. “Batteries have come a long way,” says Rob Crutcher, president of Allswater. “It’s possible to put together an electric boat that can do a hard day’s work on the water.”
“This is an important investment on the part of Nova Scotia, and it shows how climate action and economic development can go hand in hand.”
– Brent Dancey, Oceans North’s director of marine climate action
“The province’s support to build and demonstrate the first all-electric lobster boat is an important step in developing Membertou’s sustainable fishery for future generations,” says Terry Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou. “The electric boat will play an important role in building trust in battery-electric propulsion as a viable solution for decarbonizing the Canada’s commercial fishery.”
Electric vessels could have additional benefits, as well. The lobster fleet spends much of its time idle outside of the fishing season; battery-powered boats could continue making money by storing and returning energy to the grid, providing additional income for fishers while increasing the resilience of local electricity systems. “With bi-directional charging and coastal smart grids, you can unlock the full value of the batteries for communities,” says Andrew Boswell, CEO of BlueGrid.
The design of the boat has been completed, and construction is expected to begin later this year. “With help from the province, we’re excited to bring the first generation of electric lobster vessels to life in Nova Scotia,” Dancey says.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Alex Tesar
Communications Director
Oceans North
[email protected]
Credit – Unsplash
At the IMO, Countries Float Ideas to Reduce Emissions from Shipping
By: Alex Tesar | October 8, 2024
Shipping connects countries and economies, but it is also responsible for a full 3 percent of our total planet-warming emissions—comparable to a large industrialized country like Germany, and greater than that of the global aviation industry. Last year, the IMO agreed to the 2023 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Strategy, which directed its members to work together on measures to reduce emissions 40 percent by 2030 and reach zero by 2050.
Canada is part of a high-ambition coalition of countries that are pushing for solutions that will make this a reality. Amy Nugent, Oceans North’s Associate Director of Marine Climate Action, joined the Canadian delegation at the most recent round of meetings to advance this work. Before she left, we sat down with her for a Q&A about what was at stake and what it could mean for the health of our waters and our planet. “I am proud to attend as a Canadian and contribute to these crucial conversations for the future of our oceans and global shipping,” she said.
When we caught up with Amy this week, she said some important progress was made, including strengthened consensus on core principles such as incentivizing zero-emission fuels and technologies; having ship owners and cargo companies pay a price for pollution; offsetting the impacts of policies on countries who can least afford it; and retaining funds in-sector to address the energy transition, reduce emissions, and make necessary changes to infrastructure.
However, not everyone agreed on how to realize these principles. For example, there was significant disagreement about whether liquefied natural gas—a fossil fuel— and biofuels could be part of a “decarbonization pathway” for shipping. We don’t think so.
While LNG produces less carbon dioxide than current shipping fuels when it’s burned, it also releases significant amounts of methane across its lifecycle. Methane is a planet-warming gas that is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a twenty-year period.
In ships powered by LNG, one important way methane enters the atmosphere is through “slippage” from engines. And a recent study Opens in new tab by the International Council for Clean Transportation that conducted real-world measurements of slippage from the most common type of LNG engine found the percentage of unburned methane escaping was almost double what industry had estimated, which would more than negate any climate benefits.
Ultimately, discussions around fossil fuels and biofuels are just another way polluters could slow down a transition that needs to happen quickly if we’re going to avert the worst impacts of climate change. There also is not enough progress or momentum to create effective energy efficiency regulations so that 2030 targets can be achieved.
Ensuring a strong, ambitious plan will require leadership from governments, civil society, and industry. “We need to push for regulations that increase the transparency of industry emissions through rigorous reporting and include binding mechanisms that will actually drive emissions down to zero,” Amy says. “This means closing out efforts to provide sweetheart deals or exemptions for legacy fossil fuel assets and polluting behaviours.”
Amy also said that the efforts and leadership of our colleagues at the Inuit Circumpolar Council Opens in new tab, Clean Arctic Alliance Opens in new tab, and the Clean Shipping Coalition Opens in new tab on regulating underwater noise, reducing black carbon in the Arctic, and creating emissions control areas (ECAs) are producing results.
“Our efforts at the IMO matter for international regulations and they also create incentives to reduce pollution from shipping for our domestic industry in Canada. Environmental leadership is the only path for the Canadian shipping industry to exist and compete long-term,” said Amy.
To learn more about the meetings and why they were important, read Amy’s earlier Q&A. And for more information on green shipping, check out our website.
International Shipping Meeting to Target Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Image – Exhaust from a large container ship. Credit: Adobe Stock
By: Ruth Teichroeb
September 20, 2024
Oceans North is attending International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings on greenhouse gas emissions in London next week. We sat down with Amy Nugent, Associate Director of Marine Climate Action, to talk to her before she left for the meetings and asked her about the key issues under discussion.
What is the IMO, and how does it affect the work of Oceans North and Canada’s maritime industry?
The IMO is the part of the United Nations responsible for the governance of shipping and safety-related issues. “Safety” includes air pollutants caused by shipping, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, marine spills, noise, and access to sensitive Arctic waters. At the IMO meetings in London, international leaders will be discussing important issues such as reducing GHG emissions from ships, enhancing energy efficiency, managing ballast water, and reducing underwater noise. I am proud to attend as a Canadian and contribute to these crucial conversations for the future of our oceans and global shipping.
How does Canada’s participation in the IMO meetings help shape international shipping regulations?
Canada has the opportunity to exert quite a bit of influence this year and next year. Our government is a member of the Executive Council of the IMO that sets the agenda and oversees its progress. A lot of Canadians, especially those who don’t live on the coast, might not realize how hugely important shipping is to our economy, trade, and livelihoods. But in 2022, marine trade globally was worth $345 billion and almost 30,000 Canadians worked directly in the maritime sector.
Ports and marine shipping were involved in bringing almost $151 billion of Canada’s exports to world markets and imported even more into our country. That includes goods, commodities, and people who travel on ships through sensitive waters and ecosystems. Before working for Oceans North, I did not appreciate the magnitude or realize how ports, in many ways, set a metabolic rhythm for trade. Oceans North sees a role for ports to set that same rhythm for environmental protection and GHG reductions.
What specific outcomes are you hoping for from these IMO meetings regarding GHG reductions?
Canada has made some progress in terms of reducing GHGs and energy switching over the last decade. For example, Ontario and Alberta have phased out coal-fired electricity. Nationally, we have legislated emissions reduction targets that apply across the economy. And most industrial sectors have significant reporting and emissions reductions requirements, with large public incentives available to help make change.
Up until recently, shipping and marine industries have really been left on the sidelines as a so-called “hard-to-decarbonize” sector. But there are proven energy efficiency technologies available now that could dramatically reduce both GHG emissions and air pollution from these activities. For example, we could be requiring and incentivizing ships to shut off diesel engines when at berth and plug into the power grid instead.
How does this relate to the IMO? Last year, the IMO adopted a new Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships Opens in new tab to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and cut emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030. The Strategy also includes a requirement that zero-emission marine fuels be 5 to 10 per cent of the energy used by international shipping by 2030. The Government of Canada, along with the United States and the United Kingdom, negotiated for even more ambitious targets and actions.
At this year’s IMO meeting, we hope to support Canada in keeping the IMO on track to turn last year’s strategy into binding regulations that will level the global playing field, support competitiveness for our industry, and reduce emissions. This primarily means that we must see progress on three fronts: a new and robust zero-emission fuel standard; an emissions levy on global shipping; and immediate and ambitious energy efficiency actions.
One of my concerns is that the anticipation of upcoming elections in both Canada and the United States are creating a degree of volatility that has the potential to distract these countries from pushing ambitious work and progress. It must be said: our oceans are warming at an untenable rate and Canada’s forests and communities are more vulnerable to wildfires conditions, which also cause dangerous air quality for much of our summers. Our planet will not wait to see the outcome of domestic elections. We need courageous leadership from officials to push for the kinds of international actions where Canadians and Canada can be leaders—including in the supply of new zero-emission fuels.
We also want to hear about the status of domestic implementation, such as the Marine Climate Action Plan and Canada’s Green Corridor Fund for Clean Ports. With 2030 targets just around the corner, the maritime sector needs to invest the same kinds of effort, requirements, and incentives that have made progress possible in other parts of the economy.
What are zero-emission fuels, and why do IMO policies play a key role in their development and adoption?
Zero-and near-zero emission (ZNZ) fuels are fuels that produce no GHG emissions (the planet-warming gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide).
The definition of zero emission will be contested at the IMO, as member states try to arrive at a common standard for sustainable fuels. Oceans North wants to see the IMO land on and enact a very high-integrity definition that will lead to actual GHG reductions.
What do I mean by high-integrity? It means transparent, effectively measured, and stringent standards that will lead to actual GHG reductions—rather than allowing individual states to game the definition of fuels and lock in their preferred fuel without adequate respect to necessary climate action.
You also mention that the standard should be stringent. What does that mean?
These fuels need to emit zero– or near-zero emissions. Period. To meet Canada’s targets of 40 per cent emissions reductions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050, Oceans North wants to see a definition of zero emission that is 80-90 per cent or better in terms of reductions when compared to business-as-usual fuels. A full lifecycle accounting of emissions is critical to the credibility of ZNZ, meaning emissions are accounted for from their creation to their use—what is called “well-to-wake” instead of “tank-to-wake.” Such a definition is the best way to ensure that investments are truly on a path to zero-emissions. Businesses making investments today should drive their efforts and capital to ZNZ technologies and assets like ships, shoreside infrastructure, and energy generation infrastructure and be rewarded for that. Conversely, if the IMO sends unclear signals or rewards inferior fuels or technologies, then investments made into fuels with continued carbon intensity will be economically inefficient and environmentally dangerous.
Why is it important for Canada to focus on true zero-emission fuels rather than fossil-fuel derivatives like liquefied natural gas (LNG)?
LNG is a fossil fuel. It will reduce emissions compared to heavy diesel, but it will not help achieve the IMO 2023 Strategy nor meet the emissions targets set in the Paris Agreement. We need to drive investment and commercialization efforts to those technologies, practices, and fuels that will reach net-zero not only in the marine sector, but across any and every sector of the economy.
Ruth Teichroeb is a regular contributor to Oceans North and former communications director. She lives in Sidney, B.C.
The Next Step in Canada’s Fight Against Climate Change? Its Fishing Fleet
Image – The Malm, one of Evoy’s Salmon Eye electric vessels.
Credit – Evoy Electric Motor
By: Matt Dykstra
As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the effects on Canada’s coastal communities are increasingly obvious and severe.
Extreme weather events on the East Coast are now more frequent as the warming waters of the North Atlantic allow hurricanes to maintain their strength further north. Indeed, Nova Scotia is still recovering from the destruction caused by Dorian and Fiona.
Meanwhile, fish species are migrating poleward in search of cooler waters, leading to unexpected ecological changes, including the increased presence of equatorial fish and even some shark species Opens in new tab on the eastern seaboard. And a recent study co-authored by Oceans North shows that if emissions are not drastically reduced, some of Canada’s most valuable commercial fish stocks—such as lobsters, scallops, and snow crabs—are among those that will suffer the most.
Canada’s fisheries have a lot at stake in the fight against climate change—but for fishing operators and boat owners just trying to make a living on the ocean, there is also a new opportunity to confront this challenge head-on.
By embracing the decarbonization of its domestic fleet and supporting the adoption of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, Canada could not only meet its 2030 emission-reduction targets but also generate economic activity and create jobs that would benefit coastal and Indigenous communities the most. However, achieving the economic and environmental benefits of electrifying Canada’s workboats requires ambitious partnerships between government and industry.
The technology is ready now. Battery-electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems are available today and widely recognized as the most deployable solution Opens in new tab for coastal and near-shore vessels such as ferries, tugboats and workboats. Moreover, the propulsion technology can match the peak performance of any diesel system on the water, achieving high speeds while being whisper quiet. For workers who spend 12 hours per day hauling up traps on the back of lobster boats, the lack of noxious fumes is quite literally a breath of fresh air. In Canada, successful examples of electrification include SAAM Towage’s fleet of electric tugs in Vancouver Opens in new tab and the five new fully electric, zero-emission ferries Opens in new tab purchased for expanding passenger service in Halifax. These projects demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of electrification, providing a forward-looking blueprint for broader adoption.
But the real untapped potential lies in electrifying Canada’s entire fleet of workboats. More than half of Canada’s fleet of 80,000 vessels are workboats operating across more than 900 small craft harbours in our communities.
The emissions reduction is worth it. Electrifying this fleet could eliminate almost 900,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year, according to the federal Marine Emissions Inventory Tool Opens in new tab. Electric and hybrid-electric systems could also help reduce the 9.3 million tonnes of CO2e that other Canadian ships and commercial vessels produce each year, which is the same as roughly two million gas-powered vehicles, or all the cars in Montreal.
And the economic potential is just as impressive. Currently valued at $10 billion, the global market for electric vessels is projected to grow to $30 billion by 2030. Opens in new tab Countries like Norway and the UK are leading this transition with new investments Opens in new tab while Canada has yet to fully capitalize. This hesitancy is largely due to a lack of awareness, programming, and financing needed to catalyze buy-in among coastal communities and marine industries. Existing federal programs, such as Transport Canada’s Green Shipping Corridors Fund Opens in new tab, are geared towards large ocean-going vessels that are greater than 150 gross tonnes representing only 5 per cent of Canada’s total registered vessels.
Canada could be building these next-generation vessels, competing with the thousands of electric boats on the water in Europe today. But without funding for demonstration projects that are proven capable of putting in an honest day’s work, commercial fishing operations are hesitant to go all-in on these new systems. That’s why the Government of Nova Scotia’s recent investment of $6.5 million in a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund Opens in new tab is a good first step toward allowing Canadians to see this technology in action on the water, erasing any skepticism about the viability of electric boats, especially in more traditional fishing communities.
This work can and should be replicated on a national scale. Oceans North is asking the Government of Canada to support the fishing industry in its efforts to adopt zero-emission alternatives to burning marine diesel. As Canada climate-proofs its small craft harbours, it must use this opportunity to facilitate the adoption of electric fishing vessels by ensuring that new wharves are built to accommodate future growth in electric charging infrastructure as well as playing a proactive role in commercial demonstration projects through capital grants for marine chargers and electric boats.
By partnering with Indigenous and coastal communities, vessel operators, boatbuilders, naval architect firms and more, Canada can use its long history of marine innovation to create jobs, embrace new market opportunities, and prepare itself for economic and environmental success in a net-zero future.
Canada simply cannot afford to miss the boat on marine electrification. By investing in its domestic marine fleet, Canada can protect its fisheries and pioneer the next generation of marine technologies while honouring its maritime legacy.
Matt Dykstra is a senior climate campaigner with Oceans North and is based in Edmonton, Alberta.
Groundbreaking Zero-Emission Research Vessel Project Launched by Oceans North, Miawpukek Horizon, Allswater, and MEOPAR
July 17, 2024
HALIFAX—In a significant step towards sustainable marine research and zero-emission ship design, Oceans North, in partnership with Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services, Allswater, and MEOPAR, is thrilled to announce that it has received project funding from the Government of Canada to design a state-of-the-art, multi-use, zero-emission ocean research vessel.
This project will provide the conceptual design for a new Canadian ocean research vessel and assess the feasibility of zero-emission propulsion technologies, setting a new standard for deep ocean and remote area research in Canadian waters.
The design will consider the combination of zero-emission fuels with battery technologies that will allow the vessel to operate in “ultra-silent” mode, significantly reducing underwater noise when entering sensitive ocean ecosystems. In addition, the project will develop and utilize new versatile, modular research infrastructure that will allow the vessel to support a wide range of oceanographic and commercial activities, ensuring Canada can operate at the forefront of Arctic and marine research for the next 50 years.
The project received $125,000 under the Government of Canada’s Clean Vessel Demonstration grant stream Opens in new tab of the Green Shipping Corridor Program.
The feasibility study will be led by Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services Opens in new tab, a majority Indigenous-owned marine services company based in Newfoundland and Labrador, in collaboration with Allswater Opens in new tab, a leading Canadian ship design and naval architecture firm.
Additional project partners include Qikiqtaaluk Corporation Opens in new tab, Freire Shipyard Opens in new tab, MEOPAR Opens in new tab, and the University of Alberta Opens in new tab.
“We would like to thank the Government of Canada for recognizing this groundbreaking project. This funding will allow us to assess emerging zero-emission technologies that will play an essential role in reducing marine emissions and positioning our business for the future,” says Richard MacLellan, Managing Director of Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services.
““The new vessel will not only enhance Canada’s research capacity, but also set a new standard for sustainable ocean-based research. We are proud to lead this initiative with our partners.””
– Richard MacLellan, Managing Director of Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services.
Allswater will provide the critical naval architecture and engineering expertise for the design of the vessel.
“Designing a zero-emission research vessel is an exciting challenge that aligns with our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” says Rob Crutcher, Senior Naval Architect at Allswater. “With over two decades of experience, this project will leverage cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts to deliver a vessel that meets the rigorous demands of Arctic and remote area operations while minimizing environmental impact.”
Oceans North will support the project by providing strategic oversight and ensuring alignment with Canadian environmental and climate goals.
“This project exemplifies the kind of collaborative effort needed to address the urgent challenges of climate change. By developing a zero-emission research vessel, we are not only creating greater opportunities to advance marine science but also demonstrating that Canada can be a leader when it comes to advancing emission-free technologies that are needed to mitigate climate change and protect our oceans,” says Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action at Oceans North.
Doug Wallace, Associate Scientific Director of MEOPAR and co-Chair of its National Research Vessel Task Team, highlighted the critical importance of a zero-emission vessel for Canada’s research agenda.
“This vessel will fill a major gap in Canada’s research capabilities. With the massive changes taking place in our oceans due to climate change, and increasingly diverse use of our oceans, it is more important than ever to have a large research vessel where Canadian scientists can collaborate across all types of research,” he says.
Project Goals and Timeline
The project team will assess the feasibility of building a zero-emissions research vessel, identify suitable technologies and fuels, and develop a comprehensive blueprint and business case for future zero-emission vessel projects. The project also aims to successfully demonstrate the benefits of developing made-in-Canada zero-emission vessel expertise while supporting the wider adoption of zero-emission marine technologies. The project team is committed to sharing its findings to advance new technologies across the marine economy.
The project is set to begin immediately, with key milestones including research and development of alternative fuel sources, vessel concept design, engagement with industry and Canada’s research community, and completion of performance specifications. It is expected to achieve significant progress over the next year, laying the groundwork for the vessel’s construction and deployment.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Dykstra
Senior Climate Campaigner
(780) 224-9202
[email protected] Opens in new tab
About Oceans North
Oceans North supports marine conservation and climate action in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities. Our work promotes policies and programs to address the unprecedented environmental changes taking place in northern marine ecosystems.
About Miawpukek Horizon Maritime Services
Miawpukek Horizon is an Indigenous marine services company specializing in Arctic operations, ocean science and research, surveys, and training expeditions with their Multi-Functional Vessel Polar Prince. The company is committed to sustainable practices and advancing zero-emission marine technologies.
About Allswater
Allswater is a Canadian ship design and naval architecture firm with expertise in commercial shipbuilding and designing fuel and energy-efficient vessels. Operating internationally, the company is dedicated to innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry.
About MEOPAR
MEOPAR, the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network, is an independent not-for-profit research organization which funds research, trains students, mobilizes knowledge, and forms partnerships in the area of marine risk and resilience. MEOPAR is hosted at Dalhousie University and leads efforts to enhance Canada’s marine research capabilities.
Industry, Government, and Community Leaders Unite to Advocate for Marine Electrification Opportunities in Atlantic Canada
June 4, 2024
HALIFAX—Today, Oceans North convened leaders from the marine industry, government, utilities, private operators, and Indigenous communities at the H2O Conference in Halifax to address challenges and advance the future of marine electrification in Atlantic Canada.
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C—as called for in the Paris Agreement—emissions need to decrease 45 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. As Canada and other G20 nations pursue decarbonization policies on the path to a net-zero economy, marine electrification represents both a significant challenge and a major opportunity: the global market for electric vessels is projected to grow to a USD$29-billion industry by 2030.
The roundtable marked a new milestone, with more than 40 marine sector leaders from across the value chain reaching a consensus on the urgent need to support and advocate for marine electrification initiatives.
“Marine electrification presents a transformative opportunity for Atlantic Canada.”
– Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action, Oceans North.
“This is the first time the entire marine value chain—from wind to wake—has come together to reduce emissions, create new jobs, and position Canada as a leader in sustainable maritime technology,” said Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action, Oceans North. “Today’s consensus is a significant step towards achieving the adoption and deployment of electric and hybrid-electric boats in Atlantic Canada.”
Hosted by Oceans North, the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia, and Bluegrid, the roundtable brought together experts and thought leaders from across the ocean economy and electricity market.
“Today’s meeting marks a pivotal moment for marine electrification in Atlantic Canada,” said Adria Jover, President of the International Electric Marine Association. “By uniting industry leaders, government representatives, and community partners, we are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The consensus reached today underscores the commitment to reducing emissions and creating new economic opportunities that will position Atlantic Canada at the forefront of global marine innovation. Canada can and should be a global leader in the complete decarbonization of our oceans. Now is the time.”
The discussions underscored the economic and environmental potential of transitioning to battery-powered boats and zero-emission vessels, positioning Atlantic Canada as a leader in the global shift towards sustainable maritime operations.
Key Outcomes from the Roundtable:
- Unified Advocacy for Marine Electrification: Representatives from industry, government, utilities, private operators, and Indigenous communities agreed on the importance of creating demonstration projects that show marine electrification in action. Canadians need to experience first-hand how electric maritime technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the region’s economic competitiveness.
- Development of Financial Incentives and Support Mechanisms: Participants highlighted the need for robust financial incentives to overcome the cost barriers and share the risks associated with marine electrification. Incentives to support the development and deployment of new technologies, including charging infrastructure and grid upgrades, will ensure accessibility and affordability for communities.
- Developing Coastal Smart Grids: Discussions also focused on the need for modernizing the electricity grid and developing advanced charging infrastructure to support electric vessels and the development of micro-grids. Bi-directional charging and vessel-to-grid (V2G) technologies were identified as key innovations that can enhance grid stability and resilience, providing additional economic and environmental benefits.
Next Steps
Following the roundtable, Oceans North committed to producing a report summarizing the meeting and recommending actions to advance marine electrification initiatives for the benefit of all Canadians.
About the H2O Conference
The H2O Conference is a premier event that brings together leaders from the ocean technology sector to discuss innovations, challenges, and opportunities in the maritime industry. Hosted in Halifax, the conference serves as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, driving the future of ocean technology and sustainable maritime practices.
Media Contacts:
Brent Dancey is available for interviews upon request. For more information, please contact:
Matt Dykstra
Senior Climate Campaigner
[email protected]
Phone: (780) 224-9202
Oceans North Applauds Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Investment in New Zero-Emission Ferries in BC
May 24, 2024
VANCOUVER—Oceans North congratulates the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and BC Ferries on their landmark decision to purchase four new zero-emission ferries. This $75-million investment represents a monumental leap towards sustainable maritime transportation, reflecting a strong commitment to combating climate change and preserving our oceans.
The CIB’s loan will not only fund the new ferries but also the installation of necessary charging infrastructure, with the projects slated for completion by fiscal year 2027. It follows Oceans North’s advocacy for the full decarbonization of Canada’s domestic ferry fleet by 2035.
“This project represents a strong alignment of vision between BC Ferries, the Province of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada, showcasing leadership across governments and industry.”
– Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action at Oceans North.
“Ultimately, Canada has the opportunity to show even greater leadership by mandating the electrification of all ferries by 2035 and supporting that effort with further financial tools,” said Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action at Oceans North.
Electrifying harbour craft and near-shore vessels is essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change, and ferries—with their short, repeatable, near-shore runs—are an excellent place to start. BC Ferries operates one of the largest passenger ferry services in the world, and this investment will help de-risk future deployments of zero-emission technologies.
According to federal data, Canadian passenger vessels produce nearly 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, which is equivalent to the emissions of 120,000 cars on the road. The introduction of these zero-emission ferries alone is projected to cut BC Ferries’ greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 9,000 tonnes each year.
While celebrating this decision, Oceans North urges BC Ferries to remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainability by avoiding the replacement of larger ferry vessels with those fuelled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emit significant volumes of greenhouse gases and will hinder Canada’s long-term climate goals. The decarbonization of the ferry fleet is a pivotal move toward reducing maritime emissions and protecting our oceans, and it is crucial that this momentum is not compromised by transitioning to LNG.
“Moving forward, we need to avoid locking-in fossil fuel infrastructure at all costs and focus on true zero-emission solutions,” added Dancey. “This is the only way we can avoid the worst impacts of climate change, which is essential for protecting our oceans for future generations.”
Oceans North looks forward to seeing the positive impacts of these zero-emission vessels and continues to support initiatives that advance marine electrification in coastal communities.
Note: Brent Dancey is available for interviews upon request.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Dykstra
Senior Climate Campaigner
Oceans North
[email protected]
Lektrike’l Walipotl Electric Boat Project Now in Final Design
October 13, 2023
HALIFAX—Membertou, Oceans North, Allswater, and BlueGrid by Rimot have officially launched Lektrike’l Walipotl—a project to develop Canada’s first electric lobster fishing boat. The Mi’kmaw naming celebrates Membertou’s spirit of innovation and leadership, while also marking significant milestones in the final design of the vessel and bi-directional charging.
Last December, Membertou—a Mi’kmaw community located in Cape Breton—and Oceans North announced they had signed an MOU towards the development of an electric lobster boat. Today’s launch brings together the full project team that will make it a reality, helping unlock environmental, economic, and social benefits for Indigenous fishers and boatbuilders. Lektrike’l Walipotl builds on Membertou’s work to transform its social and economic landscape over the last three decades.
“An electric lobster vessel is the natural next step in our drive towards becoming leaders in the production and use of renewable electricity,” says Terry Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou. “We see the adoption of battery-electric technology in the lobster fishery as an important step in developing a sustainable fishery that will provide benefits for future generations. This first vessel will show fishers what’s possible and improve the work environment onboard by eliminating diesel pollution and reducing noise.”
The final design stage comes on the heels of the Nova Scotia Lobster Vessel Electrification Assessment, a new report that identified a massive opportunity to electrify over 2000 boats in the province’s fishing fleet so that it can continue to thrive in a net-zero economy. Oceans North, a Canadian charity that supports marine conservation and climate action in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities, is now playing a convening role by bringing together the necessary partners to design, build, and demonstrate a vessel powered by all-electric propulsion technology in the near-shore lobster fleet.
“Innovative solutions and partnerships are required to address the climate crisis,” says Oceans North Executive Director Louie Porta. “This project shows how climate action is not a burden to be managed, but an opportunity that when seized creatively can help address important local priorities.”
“Membertou shared their vision with us for building a sustainable fishery in the context of a changing climate, and we knew the local industry players that were ready to help,” adds Brent Dancey, Director of Marine Climate Action at Oceans North. “The Lektrike’l Walipotl Electric Boat Project is being driven by the community’s goal to not only adapt but lead when it comes to sustainability and zero-emission boatbuilding.”
“We look forward to seeing Canada’s first electric lobster boat join the Membertou fishing fleet, and hope it will be the first of many.”
– Terry Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou.
The project also sends a signal to the broader industry in Atlantic Canada: electric vessels work, and they are ready now. “Battery-electric technology isn’t new to boats—it’s already being used around the world,” says Rob Crutcher, CEO and Naval Architect at Allswater. “The only missing piece in Atlantic Canada was understanding the needs of local fishers, and designing a boat that could meet those needs. Once the industry sees that it works, the future fleet picture becomes clearer for everyone.”
Another key piece of the project is the use of bi-directional onshore charging to provide significant improvements in the community energy system. “We’re excited about the potential for bi-directional charging to both improve the local electricity grid and provide financial benefits for fishers,” says Andrew Boswell, CEO of BlueGrid by Rimot. “When the boat isn’t in use and electricity needs are high, power stored in the batteries can be fed into the grid. Bi-directional charging provides ongoing financial incentives for vessel owners that helps offset the higher upfront capital costs for battery-powered vessels.”
Over the last few months, the project team has initiated a wharf assessment and collected new data on several Membertou fishing vessels to capture a complete season of fishing—including trap setting—for the first time. The data collection is a crucial step in sizing the electric propulsion system to meet the vessel’s energy demand. Using this new energy information, the project team is designing the boat to match fishing operations, integrating the electric propulsion system into a new efficient hull design, and designing and planning the bi-directional shore infrastructure. Once the design is set, the project will shift to the boatbuilding, shore infrastructure deployment, and testing phase. Boatbuilding activities are expected to start as early as mid-2024 with a goal of having the first boat built and tested in 2025. Membertou plans to use the boat as part of its regular community fishing operations.
For more information, please contact:
Alex Tesar
Communications Manager
Oceans North
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Kelsea MacNeil
Director, Public Relations & Business Development
Membertou Development Corporation
902-578-4858
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Rob Crutcher
CEO and Naval Architect
Allswater
902-706-7433
[email protected] Opens in new tab
Andrew Boswell
CEO
BlueGrid by Rimot
902-456-5381
[email protected] Opens in new tab
Building the First Electric Lobster Vessel and Shoreside Charger
Credit – Heather Grant
Building the First Electric Lobster Vessel and Shoreside Charger
Curtis Martin | May 19, 2023
As we arrived in Membertou one mid-April evening, we were greeted by the heavy Nova Scotia spring rain. The sky was so closed-in that the lauded views of Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or coastline were nonexistent, reduced to just a few metres in any direction.
We awoke the next morning to somewhat hazy sights, but by mid-morning—just in time for us to see Membertou First Nation’s boatbuilding facilities and its new lobster fishing boat—the skies opened to a sunny day. The shift felt like a quiet message of support: the future of maritime boatbuilding is becoming much clearer, and it is easy to picture in Membertou.
Nova Scotia’s lobster fishery employs thousands of people across the province. Valued at over $1 billion in 2021, the industry makes up nearly half the haul value landed nation-wide. The cultural and economic importance of the fishery cannot be understated, but it is also responsible for an estimated 82 million kilograms of CO2 emissions annually—the equivalent of about 20,000 cars. Nova Scotia is also home to a significant boatbuilding industry, valued at more than $100 million.
Creating zero-emission solutions for marine workboats, a category that includes Atlantic Canada’s iconic lobster fishing boats, is a key part of broader global efforts to decarbonize marine industries and fight climate change. The inshore fishery makes up the majority of lobster landings, licenses and vessels in Nova Scotia, and it presents an ideal opportunity to advance zero-emission propulsion systems. Seventy per cent of the inshore fleet travels within 20 kilometres of the shore, meaning the bulk of theses vessels can viably be powered by battery electric systems.
This past December, Oceans North and Membertou First Nation signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the first generation of zero-emission fishing vessels in Canada. As part of these efforts, Membertou First Nation recently hosted a meeting with Oceans North and other project partners, including Allswater Marine and Rimot, to continue discussing next steps ahead of the full project launch.
Membertou First Nation gave us a full tour of their boatyard facilities during the meeting. They’ve spent years developing and expanding the grounds to enable a variety of new shipbuilding opportunities.
Image – Left: Two of Membertou First Nation’s lobster fishing vessels stored onshore during the off-season. Right: A lobster trap storage area at Membertou’s boatyard.
Credit – Heather Grant
As part of the tour, we were able to see the new top-of-the-line lobster fishing vessel—Still Fishin’—which they launched in April 2023. This boat, built by the Membertou team, is ready just in time for the upcoming 2023 lobster fishing season, and will be operated as part of the Membertou Fisheries fleet.
Image – Membertou First Nation’s brand new lobster fishing vessel, Still Fishin’, was built by Membertou at their boatyard.
Credit – Heather Grant
The Membertou boatbuilding team guided us into the workshop, where the next vessel is coming together quickly after all the experience gained from the Still Fishin’ build. Membertou’s boatbuilding knowledge has set the stage for a future constructing electric lobster fishing vessels—the natural next step in their evolution.
Image – Membertou First Nation’s boatbuilding workshop, with a look at the in-progress build of their next lobster fishing vessel.
Credit – Heather Grant
After the tour, Membertou First Nation Chief Terry Paul welcomed everyone for a discussion on how all project partners can support Membertou as a leader in the boatbuilding industry within Nova Scotia and beyond.
Image – Presentations at Membertou First Nation’s facilities from project partners on the next steps for building the first electric lobster vessel.
Credit – Heather Grant
Thank you to Membertou First Nation for being such wonderful hosts. We look forward to continuing this work with our project partners on the path to building the first electric lobster fishing vessel and shoreside charger. Keep an eye out for additional announcements on this work soon!
Curtis Martin is Oceans North’s climate and oceans campaigner.