First Self-Charging, Fully Electric Hoisting Barge for Oyster and Kelp Farming: Eliminating Fuel and Hydraulic Pollution

Commodities

• Vegetables: other
• Animals: shellfish

Practices

• Animal Production: aquaculture

This project focuses on retrofitting an existing barge into the first fully electric, self-charging system for oyster cage, kelp line, and mooring management on the Damariscotta River. The primary objective is to create a solar and wind-powered barge that provides clean energy specifically for the lifting mechanics used in managing oyster cages and moorings, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels and hydraulic fluids with a generator preventing boats from tipping over during this essential farming process. This barge will remain stationary while performing critical aquaculture tasks, such as raising cages and repositioning moorings that exist on farms in a safe, pollution-free manner that protects the marine environment. 

Key components include installing a solar array and micro wind turbine to power two electric winches, mounted on sliders with fixed pivot points for versatile hauling capabilities. A cloud-connected system with AI-powered monitoring will track energy usage and forecast power needs based on sunlight predictions, ensuring reliable performance through seasonal changes. 

The outreach strategy involves offering this innovative barge as a shared resource for smaller farms in the area, enabling them to manage seasonal cage lifting safely without the pollution and high costs associated with fuel-powered systems. Blackstone Point Oysters will host hands-on workshops, training sessions, and community demonstrations to educate local farmers on renewable-powered equipment. This project not only advances environmental sustainability but also fosters a collaborative community model, encouraging other farmers to adopt cleaner, safer aquaculture practices

Project Objectives 

1. Develop a Fully Electric, Solar- and Wind-Powered Barge for Cage and Mooring Lifting 
   Convert an existing barge to a fully electric, self-charging system using a solar array and micro wind turbine. This objective aims to achieve a reliable, renewable energy source with a generation capacity of 2.4–5 kilowatts, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and reducing environmental impact. Success will be measured by the consistent operation of the barge’s electric winches for daily cage lifting without reliance on gasoline. 

1. Safely and Efficiently Lift and Manage Oyster Cages and Moorings Using Electric Winches 
   Equip the barge with dual electric winches mounted on sliders with fixed pivot points, allowing for safe, flexible lifting of 150–250 cages per day, compared to the current manual rate of 50 cages. This objective will be evaluated based on the daily number of cages successfully raised and lowered, the stability of the equipment, and user feedback on ease and safety of operation. 

1. Collect and Analyze Data on Renewable Power Generation and Usage for Cage Lifting 
   Install cellular monitoring to track solar and wind power generation, battery storage levels, and usage efficiency throughout each lifting session. Data will be collected to optimize energy storage and predict power needs using an AI-based forecasting tool. This objective will be considered successful if monitoring data supports efficient power management and informs potential improvements, such as additional battery capacity or solar panels, based on real-time operational needs. 

1. Implement a Shared-Use Model to Provide Community Access to the Renewable-Powered Barge 
   Create a service model that allows smaller farms in the Damariscotta River area to schedule and use the barge for their seasonal cage-lifting needs. This objective will be measured by tracking the number of farms using the barge, the frequency of use, and feedback from users regarding accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and overall impact on their operations. 

Each objective is specific and measurable, with clear outcomes that support sustainable aquaculture practices and foster community collaboration.