Modular Battery System for Efficient Single-Operator Vessel-Based Oyster Aquaculture

Commodities

• Animals: shellfish

Practices

• Animal Production: aquaculture

Dirigo is helping to advance a breakthrough solution to three pressing challenges in oyster aquaculture: fossil fuel dependence, winter storage reliability, and multi-functional boating vessels that expand economic opportunity. The project centers on a removable, battery-powered, modular system that transforms any working vessel into a clean, quiet, and mobile oyster-tumbling and washing platform.

The primary objective is to replace gasoline-powered tumblers with a 100% renewable energy system that enables single-operator efficiency, reduces labor demands, and eliminates the need for dockside processing. A secondary objective is to expand economic opportunities by equipping lobster fishermen to diversify into oyster aquaculture during off-seasons or low-yield years, without incurring costly retrofits or relying on fossil-fuel equipment.

The plan includes designing, testing, and refining the modular battery system aboard Dirigo's vessel, and demonstrating its ability to power both on-water processing and winter storage of harvested oysters. This dual-use design ensures year-round battery utilization, maximizing efficiency and return on investment.

Outreach will focus on replicability and sector-wide adoption. Dirigo will document system performance, share the results with oyster growers and fishermen exploring aquaculture, and promote the model as a practical and scalable tool for sustainable seafood production. By showcasing this innovation through demonstrations, farmer networks, and regional events, the project will highlight a new pathway for integrating clean energy, enhancing workforce resilience, and diversifying income across Maine's working waterfront.

The overarching goal of this project is to design, validate, and demonstrate a renewable, modular oyster processing and storage system that improves labor efficiency, and creates a replicable model for sustainable aquaculture in Maine. To achieve this, the project is organized into three clear, measurable objectives aligned with the proposed activities.

Objective 1: Needs Assessment, Design, and Initial Deployment (April-December 2026)

• Activity Alignment: April 2026 (Needs Assessment & Design); May-Nov 2026 (Deploy and operate systems); Jul-Aug 2026 (Demonstrations); Nov-Dec 2026 (Collect feedback).
• Objective Statement: By December 2026, complete the design and initial deployment of battery‑powered oyster processing systems on Dirigo's sea farm, ensuring they are optimized for vessel compatibility, single‑operator use, and renewable energy integration.
• Measurable Outcomes:
• Engineering designs are finalized and prototype systems fabricated.
• Systems deployed and operated on the farm.
• At least two demonstration events conducted for farmers and industry participants.
• Feedback collected from operators to assess usability, safety, and performance.

Objective 2: Iteration, Monitoring, and Expanded Demonstration (January 2027-December 2028)

• Activity Alignment: Jan-Apr 2027 (Analyze data, adjust prototypes, present preliminary results); May-Nov 2027 (Operate and monitor improved systems); Jul-Aug 2027 (Demonstrations); Nov-Dec 2027 (Collect feedback); 2028 Repeat/Expand 2027 activities
• Objective Statement: By December 2028, refine and redeploy improved systems based on Year One and Two results, while expanding demonstrations and farmer engagement to validate replicability across diverse vessel types and aquaculture operations.
• Measurable Outcomes:
• Performance data analyzed and summarized in interim reports.
• Prototype adjustments completed to improve efficiency and durability.
• Systems operated and monitored across multiple farms and vessel types.
• At least two additional demonstration events conducted, with farmer participation documented.
• Feedback collected from operators and stakeholders to guide further refinements.

Objective 3: Final Evaluation, Dissemination, and Commercialization Readiness (January-December 2028)

• Activity Alignment: Jan-Apr 2028 (Analyze data, adjust prototypes, present results); May-Nov 2028 (Operate and monitor improved systems); Jul-Aug 2028 (Final demonstrations); Nov-Dec 2028 (Collect feedback); Jan-Nov 2028 (Publish & present final results).
• Objective Statement: By the end of 2028, complete a comprehensive evaluation of system performance, finalize design refinements, and disseminate results broadly to farmers, aquaculture networks, and industry partners, positioning Dirigo as a commercialization hub for modular battery systems.
• Measurable Outcomes:
• Final evaluation report completed, including technical, economic, and environmental outcomes.
• Outreach materials produced: case study, fact sheet, video demonstration, and white paper.
• Results presented at regional conferences, workshops, and training events.
• Commercialization pathways established, including modular kits, turnkey installations, and cooperative sharing models.
• Documented farmer's interest in adoption, with early commercialization partners engaged.

Conclusion

Through these objectives, the project will move from design and initial deployment to refinement, expanded demonstration, and final dissemination. Each stage is tied to specific, measurable outcomes that ensure technical feasibility, economic viability, and sector‑wide impact. By the end of the project, Dirigo will have demonstrated a replicable, vessel‑ready model that improves farm efficiency and strengthens the resilience of Maine's aquaculture community.