Glas Ocean Electric (GOE) embarked on a project to demonstrate the benefits of electric propulsion systems in vessels by retrofitting the Sea Cucumber, a 29-foot Cape Islander fishing boat with an drop-in electric propulsion system. This initiative aimed to highlight the efficiency, performance, and environmental benefits of GOE's Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS).
The conversion involved finalizing the design of GOE’s version 2 electric propulsion system, fabricating and assembling the electric propulsion system into a kit, installing the propulsion system kit with an electric motor alongside the existing diesel engine and enabling the vessel to operate on electric propulsion during specific fishing operations and diesel during high-speed transits. The electric system was designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions significantly during typical fishing operations, where slower speeds are required. Testing was conducted in the Halifax Northwest Arm to generate power curves and compare the ZEPS to traditional diesel propulsion systems.
The project included activities emissions testing, which demonstrated that the Battery electric hybrid vessel could eliminate 509 kg of CO2 emission per fishing day if operating on 100% electric and showed a 296 kg reduction in CO2 when only utilizing diesel for high speed transiting, resulting in a 58% emission reduction.
GOE also engaged Lloyds Register for an Approval in Principle (AiP) and TC MSS to ensure the system met industry standards and TP 13585 E: Tier I - Policy – Accepting alternative electrical standards for small electric and hybrid vessels.