Decarbonizing Alaskan Fishing Fleets: Transitioning to Hybrid Power Systems
Key Ideas
  • ALFA received funding for propulsion system analysis, transitioning from I Gotta to Mirage due to personal reasons, with Jordan's continued support.
  • $1.2 million funding from the Department of Energy will now outfit Jeff Hunter's Mirage with a hybrid power system for fuel savings and decarbonization.
  • Hybrid power shows promise for savings and efficiency in the fishing industry, with ongoing projects testing electric and alternative propulsion systems.
  • Future considerations include a potential shift towards hydrogen fuel cells integrated with batteries for propulsion, depending on vessel operating profiles.
The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) received funding for analyzing alternative propulsion systems in 2021. Originally planning to upgrade Eric Jordan’s vessel, the project shifted to outfitting Jeff Hunter's Mirage due to personal reasons. The Mirage, a troller/longliner freezer boat, will now undergo modifications for a hybrid power system, aiming for a 20% fuel savings and reduced engine wear. Chandler Kemp, the Energy Efficiency Consultant, highlights the benefits of this transition, laying the groundwork for decarbonization. The project encountered powertrain adjustments, aiming for completion by 2025. Hybrid power systems in the fishing industry offer potential savings and efficiency improvements, with ongoing support from government subsidies and industry partnerships. ALFA has already implemented electric deck equipment, with propulsion systems still in a development phase. Kemp envisions a future where electric power becomes more affordable and practical for vessels with specific operating profiles. He speculates on a potential shift towards hydrogen fuel cells integrated with batteries for propulsion, depending on future technological advancements and market trends. ALFA, led by Kemp, continues to explore sustainable options for decarbonizing fishing fleets, contributing to global efforts towards environmental conservation and energy efficiency.
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