Volume 6: Additional Alternative Power Sources

Abstract

This report, part of the Technology Pathways to a Low Carbon Fishing Fleet series, explores several innovative alternative propulsion and power generation technologies for possible use on commercial fishing vessels, including sail propulsion and electrical power generation from solar, wave, and nuclear energy. Based on interviews with 148 fishing businesses from across Alaska, the West Coast, and New England, the report captures fishermen’s diverse perspectives on the feasibility, benefits, and limitations of these systems.

Wind-assisted propulsion through use of sails is currently used by a portion of the Pacific albacore fleet and is valued for extending range, saving fuel, and stabilizing vessels, while newer concepts like kite propulsion and rotor sails are also of interest to fishermen. Fishermen see solar and wind generators as viable for auxiliary power, particularly for charging batteries. Wave energy generation is less understood but of interest for potential power generation at sea. Nuclear energy, though not currently feasible, is recognized as a promising long-term solution for emissionsfree power. These insights contribute to understanding alternative energy pathways that meet the operational needs of the fishing industry, illuminating possible areas where publicly and privately funded enabling programs could be most useful.