SUSTAINABLE HEAVY-DUTY INITIATIVES FOR FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

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Project

Monterey Bay’s First Hybrid-Electric Whale Watching Vessel

This project will deliver California’s first zero-emission capable hybrid whale-watching vessel, designed to meet the latest Commercial Harbor Craft regulations using the cleanest available technologies. Custom-built by LCC and Coast Guard certified to carry 65 passengers, the 58-foot catamaran will operate year-round out of Moss Landing Harbor. It will feature a zero-emission capable hybrid-electric system ensuring compliance with Coast Guard safety requirements. Rooftop solar panels (SunPower Maxeon 3, 420W) will supplement energy needs by trickle-charging the batteries. Constructed using closed-mold vacuum infusion to minimize waste and VOC emissions, this vessel will serve as a model for clean marine tourism in California.

Expected Benefits:

The MBARD/MBET project will deliver direct environmental and community benefits by deploying a hybrid-electric vessel in a region disproportionately impacted by air and water pollution. Benefits include:
  • Reduction of 3,772 metric tons of CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
  • Reduction of 1,766 pounds of NOx (nitrogen oxides).
  • Reduction of 8 pounds of DPM (diesel particulate matter).
  • Reduction of 8 pounds of PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤2.5 microns).
  • Reduction of 70 pounds of ROG (reactive organic gases).
  • Reduced air and water pollution in Moss Landing and surrounding disadvantaged communities.
  • Improved public health outcomes in a port-adjacent, low-income region.
  • Increased community awareness of clean marine technologies.
  • Expanded interest in electric vessel infrastructure.
  • Creation of new opportunities for zero-emission ecotourism.
  • Support for sustainable economic development in underserved coastal areas.

Outreach/Workforce Components:

MBET will provide ongoing staff training focused on hybrid-electric vessel construction, design, operation, electric propulsion systems, and battery maintenance. The addition of this vessel to MBET’s fleet is expected to create 15 new jobs in ecotourism and the green economy. As part of the build process, LCC will offer vocational training to an apprentice, supporting hands-on learning and helping to establish a replicable model that can be marketed and scaled for broader production.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

  • 65-passenger vessel
  • Rooftop solar panels

Lessons Learned:

Project in progress.

Status Updates:

The vessel is currently under construction, with the major structure and assembly completed. The crew is working on systems development and install of marine heads, motors, tankage systems, etc. The vessel is predicted to be completed by the end of 2026. Testing and Coast Guard certifications will take place in the beginning of 2027 with public tours being offered by Spring 2027.
California Wildlife Day

Technology:

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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

Project Facts​

  • DATES: December 2024 – August 31, 2027
  • GRANTEE: Monterey Bay Air Resources District
  • PARTNERS: Monterey Bay Eco Tours (MBET), Left Coast Composites (LCC)
  • LOCATION: Moss Landing, California; Monterey Bay, California
  • GRANT NO.: G24-ATDP-12

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $2,207,287
  • Matching Funds: $392,541
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $2,599,828

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