MONTEREY, Calif. — The Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD), in partnership with Left Coast Composites and Monterey Bay Eco Tours, today announced the construction of new hybrid-electric whale watching vessel capable of operating in zero-emission mode near wildlife and under certain operating conditions for Monterey Bay. Construction of the vessel began in January of 2025 with service anticipated in Spring of 2027.
The 58-foot catamaran will be custom-built by Left Coast Composites and operated by Monterey Bay Eco Tours for year-round whale watching excursions departing from Moss Landing Harbor. The vessel will be U.S. Coast Guard-certified to carry up to 65 passengers and will feature a hybrid-electric propulsion system developed by Transfluid and paired with diesel engines manufactured by Steyr.
Project leaders say the vessel represents an important step forward for sustainable marine tourism and clean maritime technology.
“This project demonstrates how innovative vessel technologies can help reduce emissions while protecting the marine environment that makes Monterey Bay so special,” said Richard Stedman, Air Pollution Control Officer, Monterey Bay Air Resources District. “By integrating hybrid-electric propulsion into commercial whale watching operations, we are helping advance cleaner solutions for marine tourism.”
The hybrid-electric system is designed to significantly reduce diesel consumption, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional vessels. Electric propulsion can also reduce underwater noise, helping minimize disturbances to marine wildlife in one of the world’s most biologically diverse coastal ecosystems.
Once completed, the vessel will serve as both a commercial whale watching platform and a demonstration project for advanced maritime technologies that support cleaner transportation. The project is expected to support workforce training in custom boat building and composite manufacturing, create over ten (10) jobs, and increase interest in electric vessel infrastructure and operations along California’s coast.
“This vessel represents the future of sustainable whale watching and boat design,” said Wendy Kitchell, owner of Monterey Bay Eco Tours. “Our goal is to give visitors an unforgettable experience while helping to protect wildlife and showing that these advanced technologies are a viable option for the maritime industry.”
In addition to supporting ecotourism, the vessel will serve as an educational platform, helping increase public awareness about climate change, marine conservation and emerging zero-emission maritime technologies. The project is supported through California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) Program.Project partners include Monterey Bay Air Resources District, Left Coast Composites, Monterey Bay Eco Tours, Transfluid and Steyr Motors.
