Portland is now home to the state’s first electric boat charging station, marking a major step toward cleaner marine transportation. The charger, located at Wright’s Wharf in Portland Harbor, was put to the test Thursday when “Heron,” an electric aquaculture boat, plugged in. Maine Ocean Farms launched Heron earlier this year as part of a pilot project aimed at reducing emissions and noise in the marine industry.

“This gives us an opportunity to reduce on-site emissions as well as noise, creating a better workplace and being good stewards of the local ecosystem,” said Willy Leathers, co-owner of Maine Ocean Farms. The Gulf of Maine Research Institute also praised the initiative, calling it an important move toward decarbonizing the marine sector.

The project was funded by $500,000 from the federal government and another $500,000 in matching donations. While electric boats are still rare in Maine, advocates hope this infrastructure will encourage more adoption and innovation.

Read the full original report at WGME