Markets & Economic Development Community Leadership Downeast Groundfish Initiative Hatchery Outreach and Education

The Problem

Maine Coast lobstermen and their communities are deeply affected by the chronically high cost of boat fuel and other expenses. The average lobster boat burns approximately 3,000 gallons of fuel per year. Today’s lobster boat was originally designed over 70 years ago and is now powered by a 250 - 1,000 hp diesel - guzzling engine. Fuel cost is second only to the cost of bait and constitutes 30% or more of operating expenses.

The Solution

In 2010, Penobscot East is commissioning the design of a new fuel-efficient boat. The plan is to adapt the latest cutting edge technology for hulls, power trains, propulsion and controls. The objective:

• significantly improve the economics of lobster fishing
• reduce its environmental impact
• and support the Penobscot East mission to secure a viable future for eastern Maine fishermen

The project manger is Dr. Douglas Read, an MIT naval architect graduate and adjunct professor in engineering at Maine Maritime Academy. Penobscot East will establish a technical advisory group to guide the effort, including fishermen and other industry experts. Research began in spring 2010 with the hope of announcing a design by the end of the year. Please let us know if you have expertise or information that could assist us with this project. We are especially interested in hearing fishermen’s ideas about their design requirements.