Summary
- Newport Beach’s Harbor Department added a boat powered entirely by electricity to its fleet last month
- The electric vessel will be used for rescue missions, patrolling and monitoring duties
- The boat cost $229,000 and qualified for a state refund of about half that amount
- The vessel can run a full 10-hour shift without needing a recharge and has a top speed of 30 knots
- Efforts to reduce emissions in Newport Bay include building publicly accessible electric vessel charging stations in Marina Park and Avalon
Article
Last month, Newport Beach’s Harbor Department made history by adding the first electric boat to its fleet of vehicles. The boat, known as the “HDEV”, was unveiled at a ceremony attended by Council members Robyn Grant and Lauren Kleinman, who broke bottles of champagne over the bow to mark the occasion. The all-electric vessel will be used for various tasks such as rescuing swimmers, patrolling mooring fields, and monitoring public docks. Harbormaster Paul Blank highlighted the necessity of replacing an old work vessel in their fleet, making the addition of the electric boat a practical choice.
Manufactured by VITA, the electric boat cost $229,000 and is comparable in price to a similarly capable gas-powered vessel. The city received a Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) voucher, refunding half of the purchase price. The electric boat boasts a top speed of 30 knots and can operate for a full 10-hour shift without needing to recharge. One unique feature is its soft hull, allowing it to dock easily without causing damage. Blank expressed his hope that more electric vessels would join the fleet in the future, potentially replacing all of Newport Beach’s service vessels as they reach the end of their service lives.
The decision to purchase an electric-powered watercraft stemmed from the city’s initiative to install EV charging stations for boats in Newport Bay. As a result, conversations about electric vessels arose, leading to the acquisition of the “HDEV”. Efforts to reduce emissions in the bay are progressing, with plans to build California’s first publicly accessible electric vessel charging stations. These stations, located in Newport Beach and Avalon on Catalina Island, will be the start of a network similar to those for electric cars, allowing for convenient recharging of electric vessels.
Newport Beach officials are optimistic about the environmental benefits of transitioning to electric watercraft. The new charging stations will support this goal and help promote the use of EVs in the area. The city aims to lead the way in establishing a network of charging stations for electric vessels, creating easier access to clean and sustainable transportation options. The Harbor Department is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices in the bay.
The introduction of the electric boat signifies a significant milestone for Newport Beach’s Harbor Department. With a strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation, the city is taking proactive steps towards reducing emissions and promoting the use of electric vehicles in its fleet. The success of the electric vessel and charging stations sets a precedent for other regions to follow, encouraging the adoption of clean transportation options for watercraft and contributing to a cleaner, greener future for marine environments. Through its innovative approach, Newport Beach is setting an example for responsible and eco-conscious practices in the maritime industry.
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