Canada’s first electric, zero-emission fishing vessel for commercial use
December 4, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(HALIFAX, NS) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced five new ocean innovation projects valued at $34.5 million, including the $4.4 million Membertou Electric Lobster Boat Commercial Demonstration Project led by Membertou First Nation.
This project, known as Lektrike’l Walipotl in Mi’kmawi’simk, is a groundbreaking initiative spearheading the transition to zero-emission commercial fishing in Canada. Led by the Mi’kmaq community of Membertou, the project introduces Canada’s first electric, zero-emission fishing vessel designed specifically for commercial use. By integrating advanced electric propulsion systems and battery technology, the project aims to transform the maritime industry’s approach to sustainability. Through a thorough operational trial, the project will demonstrate the reliability, efficiency, and economic viability of electric boats compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels, setting a transformative precedent for achieving net-zero maritime operations nationwide. The vessel and charging will be bi-directional capable to support vessel-to-grid; a benefit to both vessel and electric grid operation.
The project is led by Membertou, NS-based Membertou First Nation in partnership with Allswater Marine in Halifax, NS, Oceans North in Halifax, NS, and BlueGrid in Halifax, NS. With a total project value of $4.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.5 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
This initiative positions Canada as a leader in marine decarbonization and clean technology, supports Canada’s Net-Zero by 2050 target and increased climate competitiveness, and unlocks opportunities in the global marine electrification market. It also creates new jobs, builds expertise in electric propulsion and sustainable vessel design, and provides training and employment opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved about 150 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Every dollar invested in Ocean Supercluster projects generates more than five times its value in GDP contribution, with the following economic benefits to Canada as of March 2025:
- $1.7 billion in total economic output
- $1 billion in GDP contribution
- Nearly $748 million in total labour income
- Close to 10,000 jobs created
- $286 million in total tax revenues generated
- $295 million in follow-on investment raised
Quotes
“The innovation and collaboration fostered by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster demonstrate our government’s commitment to building a stronger and more resilient ocean economy. These projects in clean energy, digital and AI adoption, and marine sustainability will drive economic opportunities across the country and help strengthen Canada’s position as a world leader in the blue economy.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Canada’s new government is driving economic growth through ocean innovation. Clean technologies, advanced marine solutions, and cutting-edge research are creating opportunities that strengthen coastal communities and position Canada as a global leader in the sustainable ocean economy.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
“Membertou’s Electric Lobster Boat Commercial Demonstration Project is an important milestone in Canada’s journey toward sustainable marine shipping. By combining Indigenous leadership with clean technology innovation, we’re reducing emissions, creating new economic opportunities, and positioning Canada as a global leader in marine electrification.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Membertou is incredibly proud to be moving forward with the development of Canada’s first electric fishing vessel,” say Terrance Paul, Chief and CEO of Membertou. “The electric boat is a natural next step in our drive to become clean energy leaders and will play an important role in unlocking the benefits of marine electrification for the next generation of fishers.”
“The Membertou electric boat is an exciting milestone in Canada’s marine energy transition,” says Sheena Kennedy, Oceans North’s Executive Director. “The project demonstrates how climate action presents an economic opportunity for Canada’s fisheries and boatbuilding sectors while significantly reducing impacts on the environment.”
“This is the kind of project where everyone brings something essential to the table. For Allswater, it’s about creating the design and making sure the build comes together the way it should. People talk about electric boats as ‘the future,’ but we’re actually building one and showing how it works in real fishing conditions. That’s what makes this project so exciting.” – Rob Crutcher, President and CEO, Allswater.
“This vessel isn’t just an electric fishing boat; it can be an energy storage asset for the grid,” says Andrew Boswell, CEO of BlueGrid. “We’re advancing bi-directional vessel-to-grid charging, which enables onboard batteries to support the local electrical grid during peak demand—a model that has the potential to integrate sustainable fishing with a green grid.”