Arc Boat Co., a startup based in Southern California, is taking significant steps to introduce electric workboats and charging infrastructure at the Port of Los Angeles. The company, originally from Torrance, plans to open a research and development facility at the port in June, marking its expansion into the commercial sector. This move comes as part of a larger initiative to transition to zero-emission equipment by 2030, as set by the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The new facility will support the development of electric workboats, on-water testing, and fleet deployment. Arc is partnering with Diversified Marine Inc. to retrofit a 26-foot-long tugboat with lithium-ion battery packs and a 600-horsepower drivetrain, making it the first zero-emission tug to operate at the port. According to Arc, replacing the approximately 2,000 tugboats in the U.S. with electric alternatives could prevent emissions equivalent to over 1.6 million cars annually.
Arc’s CEO and co-founder, Mitch Lee, emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of electrification. “These boats don’t have fumes, and you can cut your operating costs substantially,” Lee told the Los Angeles Times. The company aims to make the Port of Los Angeles a global model for sustainable maritime operations.
Despite challenges like tariffs on imported goods and the technical hurdles of electric boat propulsion, Arc is committed to advancing its mission. The company has received over $100 million in investment and employs 170 people, including experts from Rivian and Tesla. Arc’s new R&D facility is expected to require an investment of less than $10 million and will be located within a 35-acre research campus operated by AltaSea.
The electrification of workboats aligns with the ports’ goals to achieve zero emissions and improve air quality in Southern California. Arc’s efforts are seen as a critical step towards reducing pollution and advancing clean energy solutions in the maritime industry.
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