NPR’s Morning Edition recently ran a segment on the rise of electric boats along the New England coast. Reporter Murray Carpenter joined us on Casco Bay to see our solar-powered oyster barge in action. It was an exciting morning on the water and an important story to be part of.
What the Segment Covers
The NPR piece explores how electric propulsion is moving from roads to waterways. Our solar barge — powered by a Torqeedo electric outboard and topped with solar panels — was the centerpiece of the Maine portion of the story. Nauti Sisters founder Alicia Gaiero spoke with reporter Murray Carpenter about what it is like to navigate to the farm on a quiet, emissions-free vessel.
The segment also featured insights from the designer of the system, who described the barge as a fully solar-powered, virtually silent oyster processing platform. The combination of electric propulsion and solar power is rare in Maine aquaculture. We are proud to be among the first to put it to work.
Why We Went Electric
Reducing our environmental footprint on Casco Bay matters to us. The solar barge saves over 80 gallons of gasoline per season. It eliminates generator noise. It offers our guests a cleaner, quieter experience on the water. And it reflects the kind of farming we believe in — sustainable, innovative, and honest about the work.
Listen to the full NPR segment →
Want to See It in Person?
Our solar barge is part of every oyster farm tour we run. Come see it up close, learn how it works, and taste the oysters it helps us grow.