Governor of Maryland honours electric boating
by Tess Smallridge 8 Aug 2020 01:39 AEST
Governor of Maryland honours electric boating © Torqeedo
Greenline Yachts was presented with a Governor's Citation for their contribution as a leader in high-tech and environmentally friendly boating by the State of Maryland. The citation marked the delivery of the first 100% electric Greenline Yacht to be delivered to the USA.
The name Greenline has been synonymous with luxurious hybrid-diesel yachts for more than ten years, and in 2019 the company announced that 100% electric propulsion systems by Torqeedo would be offered on their entire fleet. The Greenline 39 delivered to the USA is powered by a 50 kW Deep Blue inboard motor and two Deep Blue 40 kWh lithium-ion batteries with BMW technology.
Secretary Haddaway-Riccio from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Secretary Schulz from the Maryland Department of Commerce, Wendy Foster with the Maryland Environmental Trust, and the Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives Outreach Director Bridgette Lundfelt presented the Governor's Citation to representatives from Greenline USA, Yacht Sales International, and Torqeedo. The group toured the yacht as it was anchored in Annapolis for pre-delivery sea trials, then took it for a spin around the harbour where they were delighted by the quiet, fume-free, and comfortable ride.
Captain Todd Sims, who attended the celebration on behalf of Torqeedo, said, "Electric propulsion just makes sense for most owners who use their boats on the weekend, cruising around with family and friends. The ease, silence and simplicity of an electric-powered boat makes spending time on the water even more enjoyable. The fact that it's ecologically and climate-friendly is almost just a bonus."
After the VIPs departed, the team readied the yacht for delivery. Brewster Knott with Yacht Sales International said, "We brought the boat to Fort Washington from Annapolis after the week of preparation and testing. The following day we met the owner on his boat and made the journey on the Potomac to National Harbor in Washington DC. We cruised around 6kts the entire way and consumed less than 20% of the battery. Phenomenal!"