A new commercial inflatable boat (RIB) has been delivered to a San Francisco Bay Area marina and runs 100% on electric power.
The commercial RIB, a 5.5-metre SeaDog from electric marine technology specialist Vita Power, will support day-to-day operations of Westpoint Port in Redwood City, located in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Designed for high performance and practicality, the ship features DC fast charging compatibility and boasts a charging time of less than an hour. The boat’s high torque and Vita’s responsive controls allow precise maneuvers and powerful pulling and pushing capabilities, even at low rpm, the manufacturer said.
With the potential for up to 10 hours of continuous use at low port speeds, the SeaDog is suitable for daily operations at Westpoint Harbor. DC Supercharging technology enables rapid recharging, achieving a 20-80% charge in just 30 minutes, allowing quick recharging between shifts.
“The SeaDog Rigid Inflatable Boat is amazingly strong, agile in tight spaces, and above all else it is silent and produces no airborne or waterborne pollution. Not only does this keep our environment calm, it makes it an ideal work boat for our harbor,” said Mark. Sanders, president of Westpoint Harbor.
“Our marina has been at the forefront of technical advancements in the recreational marina industry, and a leader in the development and adoption of electric boats,” Sanders said. “Westpoint Harbor installed one of its first Aqua superPower e-boat superchargers in 2023 and will begin operating a second supercharger this summer.”
For UK-based Vita Power, the delivery marks a significant milestone in its entry into the US market, in line with California’s gradual decarbonisation efforts in the commercial marine sector. The company said its entry into the US market is supported by California incentive programs, including the Commercial Off-Highway Equipment (CORE) Voucher Program and the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, both of which help replace internal combustion equipment with zero-sum equipment. Emissions alternatives
“This is an important moment for Vita and electric boats in the U.S. For a long time, our focus has been developing reliable, high-output commercial boats that deliver maximum emissions impact and performance for the customer,” said Tanguy de Lamotte, Vita CRO for North America. SeaDog to support decarbonization efforts, and we are excited about the growing appetite for electric workboat solutions throughout the Bay Area and California.
In addition to the SeaDog, Vita offers a commercial 7.2 meter Power RIB with an extended battery option.
