NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Since 1955, the Maid of the Mist has had boats in the Niagara River bringing millions of visitors up close and personal with Niagara Falls. When 2020 hits, those millions of visitors will have an eco-friendly, more comfortable ride.
The Maid of the Mist is currently approaching the final stages of construction on their brand new, battery powered electric boats that will become their full-time vessels next season.
"Its very important to us," Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn said, "we're a very integral part of that environment since the early 1800's."
These new boats will give off zero emissions and limited vibration and noise, while also opening the boat up for more passengers.
"A lot roomier than the existing boats, a lot more space on them and I think people will enjoy the experience" Glynn said.
Here’s what’s cool. These boats operate based on battery power so the vibration and noise is at a bare minimum. There will also be more space on the boats for passengers pic.twitter.com/cYRdXYWIBd
— Jeff Slawson (@Jeffslawson) October 31, 2019
Here's a look at the changes coming in the form of the new boats:
- Be among the first all-electric passenger vessels in North America
- Utilize lithium-ion battery power
- Produce zero emissions
- Operate nearly silently with little to no vibration
- Have complete redundancy in propulsion and battery power, with independent systems located in each hull
- Be made from 5086 H116 marine-grade, a superior marine-environment, corrosion- resistant aluminum alloy
- Not have diesel or combustion-based backup propulsion systems; unlike most other electric vessels, these will not be hybrid vessels
- Utilize forward bow thrusters to further enhance the steering capabilities, allowing the vessel to maneuver sideways and dock with ease
