Niagara Falls is about to get it first all-electric, zero-emission sightseeing boats, offering visitors a new, green way to visit one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
Plus, the new new boats are made in the USA.
The catamaran-style vessels feature a wide stance, resulting in a smooth ride. And because they are EV, their quiet ride allows guests to better enjoy the roar and majesty of Niagara Falls.
Maid of the Mist boats have been navigating the waters of the Lower Niagara River since 1846, providing some 1.6 million visitors a year with wet and wonderful up close and personal views of the world=famous Niagara Falls waterfalls and the Niagara River Gorge.
“The Maid of the Mist has offered tours of the world-famous Niagara Falls waterfalls and of the Niagara River Gorge for more than a century, and are a signature tourism attraction of Western New York,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo annoucing the new vessels.
“The new zero-emission boats will continue that proud tradition while continuing our efforts to make New York State a premier environmentally friendly tourism destination.”
It makes perfect sense for Maid of the Mist to be a world leader in green tourism, since Niagara Falls is one of the world’s largest sources of clean hydroelectric power.
Built in Wisconsin
The EV boats are being built by Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc, Wisc. The modules are being transported to Niagara Falls in mid-May, to be lowered onto the Maid of the Mist dry dock and maintenance facility for final assembly.
Following completion of construction, launch and certification, the new vessels will go into service in mid-September.
Maid of the Mist VI (1990) and Maid of the Mist VII (1997), will be retired when the new vessels begin operating.
ABB, a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, is supplying the power system, including lithium-ion battery packs and an onshore charging system, enabling sustainable operation with maximum reliability.
Powered by ABB’s zero-emission technology, the two fully-electric vessels will take tourists to the heart of the Niagara Falls, undisturbed by engine noise or exhaust fumes.
Charging Maid of the Mist batteries
Batteries will be recharged for seven minutes after each trip to 80 percent capacity, allowing for maximum efficiency and battery life.
Passengers won’t even notice it, since the recharging will be completed as one set of passengers gets off after their tour, and another group prepares to board.
ABB also is one of the main sponsors of the international Formula E racing program, which races all-electric Formula One-style cars around the world, from Beijing to Brooklyn, which helps push the envelope in battery management.
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “The Maid of the Mist has been a tremendous partner at Niagara Falls State Park. These new vessels delivering a superior visitor experience while expanding the sustainable practices we need to adapt to protect the natural assets that draw visitors to Niagara Falls and parks across the state.”
“The hull of the new vessels features an icon of the electricity symbol within a water droplet surrounded by a turbine with Niagara Falls in the background,” Glynn said. “The color scheme is environmentally-friendly green combined with the blue of the water.”
About Maid of the Mist
Maid of the Mist first launched in 1846, making it one of North America’s longest running tourist attractions.
Maid of the Mist vessels have been operating tours continuously to the base of Niagara Falls for 134 consecutive years, providing guests from around the world with an iconic experience, traveling to the base of Niagara Falls.
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