Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces $4.4M Membertou Electric Lobster Boat Commercial Demonstration Project

Press Release

December 4, 2025

(HALIFAX, NS) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced five new ocean innovation projects valued at $34.5 million, including the $4.4 million Membertou Electric Lobster Boat Commercial Demonstration Project led by Membertou First Nation.

This project, known as Lektrike’l Walipotl in Mi’kmawi’simk, is a groundbreaking initiative spearheading the transition to zero-emission commercial fishing in Canada. Led by the Mi’kmaq community of Membertou, the project introduces Canada’s first electric, zero-emission fishing vessel designed specifically for commercial use. By integrating advanced electric propulsion systems and battery technology, the project aims to transform the maritime industry’s approach to sustainability. Through a thorough operational trial, the project will demonstrate the reliability, efficiency, and economic viability of electric boats compared to traditional diesel-powered vessels, setting a transformative precedent for achieving net-zero maritime operations nationwide. The vessel and charging will be bi-directional capable to support vessel-to-grid; a benefit to both vessel and electric grid operation.

The project is led by Membertou, NS-based Membertou First Nation in partnership with Allswater Marine in Halifax, NS, Oceans North in Halifax, NS, and BlueGrid in Halifax, NS. With a total project value of $4.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.5 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

This initiative positions Canada as a leader in marine decarbonization and clean technology, supports Canada’s Net-Zero by 2050 target and increased climate competitiveness, and unlocks opportunities in the global marine electrification market. It also creates new jobs, builds expertise in electric propulsion and sustainable vessel design, and provides training and employment opportunities for Indigenous communities.

Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made-in-Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.

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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

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