On July 29th, the port of Digby played host to an inspiring event that showcased the future of marine transportation — electric vessels for the fishing industry. Organized by IGNITE Atlantic, in collaboration with partners RBC Tech for Nature Fund, ABCO Industries, Bluegrid, EfficiencyOne, and the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the event brought together stakeholders from across the marine and fisheries sectors to explore the potential of electric marine vessels.
A Day of Innovation and Exploration
The day began with a warm welcome and introduction, setting the stage for the forward-thinking discussions to come. Representatives from the partner organizations presented on their roles and contributions to the marine electric vehicle initiative. Their insights highlighted the significant strides being made towards reducing the carbon footprint of the fishing industry through innovative technology and partnerships. This was followed by a healthy discussion in the room between the vessel owners and the facilitators exploring the realistic requirements of electrifying vessels in this part of the world.
Following the discussion, participants were led outside for the most anticipated part of the event—a hands-on demonstration of a fully electric converted vessel, provided by ABCO Industries. The excitement was palpable as the crowd gathered around this groundbreaking vessel. Attendees were given an up-close look at the technology that powers the vessel, learning about the electric engine, battery system, and the retrofitting process that transformed a traditional fishing boat into an eco-friendly alternative.
The demonstration didn’t just showcase the vessel—it brought the concept of marine electrification to life. Participants, including fishers, vessel owners, fleet operators, business owners, and community leaders, were able to explore the vessel inside and out, ask questions directly to the engineers, and even see the vessel in action as it powered up in the harbor. This tangible experience allowed attendees to grasp the practical benefits of electric vessels, from reduced fuel costs to lower maintenance requirements and, most importantly, a significant reduction in emissions.
Reflecting on the Success
The success of the Digby event underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement in driving innovation. With partners like RBC, ABCO Industries, Bluegrid, EfficiencyOne, and the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the event demonstrated that significant progress can be made when industries, government, and communities work together towards a common goal. It was clear from the enthusiasm of the participants that there is strong support for transitioning to cleaner, more efficient marine technologies.
Collecting data from vessel owners and wharf authorities is crucial in this effort, as it will allow us to determine the specific vessel requirements and the necessary upgrades to local wharf grids, paving the way for the decarbonization of fishing fleets. This project is about exploring the art of the possible, not an overnight shift to 100% electric vessels. Are you a fishing vessel owner or captain who visits the port of Digby? We want to hear from you! Please follow the survey link.
Looking Ahead to Sheet Harbour
As the momentum builds, IGNITE Atlantic is excited to announce that the next event in this series will take place in Sheet Harbour. Set for later this year, the event will once again bring together key stakeholders to continue the conversation on marine electrification. Participants can look forward to more in-depth discussions, new technological demonstrations, and opportunities to engage with industry leaders who are at the forefront of this transformation.
It will be critical to hear from the local marine vessel owners in Sheet Harbour as well as we hope to use the data collected from both of these communities to help paint a picture of what decarbonizing Nova Scotia’s fishing fleet will look like and what wharfside grid infrastructure will be required to do so.
Stay tuned for more details, and join us in Sheet Harbour as we continue to explore and empower the future of marine transportation in Nova Scotia.
This event marks just one of many initiatives by IGNITE Atlantic to foster innovation in rural communities. As a rural innovation hub, IGNITE Atlantic is committed to creating a culture of innovation by bringing together diverse groups to tackle existing challenges across various sectors.