Electrification Project

FFAW-Unifor and TriNav Marine Design launched a survey to identify candidates for retrofitting a commercial inshore fishing vessel with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. The retrofitted vessel will demonstrate reduced diesel reliance to other enterprise owners, supporting a larger federal submission for financial incentives to transition commercial fishing fleets.

The project aims to achieve 25-50% fuel/CO2 savings, aligning with Canada’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050. From 67 initial applicants, 10 candidates were shortlisted based on vessel specifications.

Once the retrofitting is completed, and outside of their fishing season, the candidate’s vessel will be used to demonstrate performance of the vessel with less reliance on diesel fuel to other enterprise owners around the province. This reporting will be the foundation for building a larger submission to federal government with other independent fisheries in Canada to put financial incentives, such as rebate programs, in place to help transition commercial fishing fleets.

Initially, the Marine Hybrid System from Man Engines was considered, but due to scheduling issues, FFAW and TriNav came to consider the Glas Ocean Electric’s Hymarine conversion kit. Glas Ocean Electric, based in Nova Scotia, previously conducted a feasibility study for FFAW and developed the Hymarine kit, which simplifies installation on commercial vessels.
Current Status and Next Steps: