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The 100% electric, commercial aquaculture vessel, Heron
Silence on the Waves: Maine Ocean Farms Launches 'Heron,' the First Full-Scale 100% Electric Aquaculture Vessel
(UNITED STATES, 10/1/2025)
Maine’s 28-Foot Vessel Tests Battery Range and Cost Savings for the local aquaculture
FREEPORT, MAINE — Maine Ocean Farms, an aquaculture company, has launched the "Heron," a three-year project measuring 28 feet in length that is among the first fully electric workboats of its size in the United States.
Foto: Instagram/Maine Ocean Farms
Maine Ocean Farms co-founder, Willy Leathers, described the dual 120-horsepower motor as "really disconcerting" due to its silent operation. The Heron, built by Patrick Fogg at Fogg’s Boatworks in North Yarmouth, is intended to prove the viability of electrification for Maine's "blue economy," as gas engines are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions for the sector.
Foto: Instagram/Maine Ocean Farms
The vessel, aided and funded by the Island Institute, is powered by batteries containing 126 kilowatt-hours and can carry up to 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) of gear. Leathers estimates it has a range of 20 to 25 miles on a single charge. Although the Heron cost about four times more than comparable boats, Strater’s partner, Nick Planson, estimates a financial break-even point of four to five years due to savings in fuel and maintenance.
Foto: Evoy
The Heron's construction was partly funded by a $500,000 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant that allocated nearly $289,000 to the propulsion system. The Maine partners hope the success will help drive adoption despite challenges posed by the high initial cost and lack of charging infrastructure in rural coastal communities.
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Information of the company:
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Address:
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Casco Bay
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City:
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Freeport,
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State/ZIP:
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Maine
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Country:
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United States
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Phone:
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+1 207-200-4550
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E-Mail:
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[email protected]
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Skype:
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https://www.instagram.com/maineoceanfarm/
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