Hybrid or alternative fuel technologies for inshore vessels will be trialed and evaluated during the 2024 commercial fishing season

The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) is launching a hybrid vessel propulsion project to help its inshore fishing members meet two closely linked goals: cutting down on carbon emissions and reducing fuel costs.

“What we’re looking at is alternative propulsion sources for fishing boats, which will include electric or some component of electric,” says Ian MacPherson, senior adviser for the Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA).

As the representative organization for all core fishers in PEI, the PEIFA’s work includes advocating for members and exploring ways in which to improve operating efficiency. This project was hatched four years ago after discussions between MacPherson and PEIFA President Bobby Jenkins on modifications to increase onboard operating efficiency.

To that end, the PEIFA is now requesting proposals from companies for marine propulsions systems that are suitable for 45-foot inshore fishing boats. The selected equipment will be tested in a pilot program. It will run in the spring and fall of 2024, with cost-shared funding provided by the Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

Hybrid or alternative fuel vessel options

The pilot applies to technologies that are hybrid or alternative fuel options other than diesel-only engines. The technologies will be trialed and evaluated during commercial fishing seasons. 

The evaluation will include the assessment of fuel and energy use, an estimate of greenhouse gas emissions and overall operating costs which will include a cost benefit analysis.

The pilot plan calls for vessels to be deployed in three different lobster-fishing area (LFA24, 25 and 26A) around the island. This is “because the water, wind and fishing conditions are a little different in each area,” explains MacPherson.

Another objective of the pilot project is to encourage manufacturers to produce units not only on a wider scale but also at price points that will encourage wider adaptation of hybrid technology,” says MacPherson. 

The PEIFA will collaborate with Stantec Consulting in Charlottetown for independent third-party evaluation of the selected units.

Proposals are to contain the following criteria:

• Company history detailing experience in the technology
• Equipment development history 
• Price
• Technical and functional compliance (number of components)
• Clarification that systems can be retrofitted or used on new vessels only
• Weight and space required for components 
• Additional equipment or modifications required for installation
• Required onshore infrastructure to support operation of the technology
• Required component order lead times and installation timelines
• Service support for trial periods
• Safety protocols
• Any additional requirements for the operation of the technology
• Unit delivery dates for Spring and Fall fishing seasons in 2024

Proposals are to be submitted to Ian MacPherson at [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 30, 2023.

The Prince Edward Island Fishermen’s Association (PEIFA) was originally formed in the early 1950s. It is now recognized as the representative organization for all core fishers in the Province of Prince Edward Island.