New Study Demonstrates Feasibility and Benefits of Small Vessel Electrification in The Bahamas

(The Bahamas) A new report, led by Environmental Defense Fund and University of The Bahamas, in collaboration with the Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association and Photon Marine, examines the feasibility of and possible pathways for the electrification of small vessels in The Bahamas. Through workshops, community meetings, surveys, and direct conversations with fishers, fishing guides, and other boat operators, the study evaluates the feasibility of vessel electrification, examining practical applications, community interests, key use cases, and barriers to adoption to inform partner-based approaches for implementation.  

The Bahamas presents a compelling case for small vessel electrification due to its ecologically sensitive and important marine environment, an economy reliant on fishing, and ambitious national commitments to reducing dependence on imported and expensive fossil fuels. 

“Small craft electrification represents a real opportunity for The Bahamas to achieve its goal of reducing the use of expensive and environmentally harmful fossil fuels while protecting the marine environments essential to daily life,” said Danielle Carey, Manager, Global Shipping, at Environmental Defense Fund. “However, solutions must not be imposed but instead developed through collaboration and partnership with vessel operators, fishers and guides to ensure real, everyday needs are met and benefits are seen by all.” 

As an island nation, The Bahamas faces significant economic volatility due to its reliance on imported fossil fuels, where fuel prices reach as high as $10/gallon. Unpredictable and expensive fuel prices can consume up to half of the operating budget for small scale fishers and other operators, raising the prices of everyday goods. Recreational and commercial fishing form the backbone of The Bahamian economy; for an industry that adds up to $600 million/year and 27,000 jobs to the economy, fuel prices and instability dramatically impact daily life in The Bahamas.  

A transition to electric outboard motors (“e-outboards”) would offer multiple important co-benefits, including environmental protection, energy independence and economic resilience. 

“Battery powered boat engines will improve operating conditions, as we won’t have to deal with the high cost of fuel every day,” said Captain Clinton Scavella, a local fly-fishing guide on Crooked Island. “This will be good for the environment and be a plus for us in these far-flung southern islands where we have so much available sunshine for solar power.”  

The study identifies four primary sectors where electrification is both feasible and beneficial: commercial fishing, fishing guides, water taxis and harvesting cascarilla bark, a culturally and economically important resource. Through collaboration with local partners and e-outboard manufacturer Photon Marine, the report authors analyzed and compared the energy needs of current combustion engine motors with e-outboard technology to explore practical pathways and benefits for electrification.  

“This project has the potential to ensure that the fishermen and women, alongside fishing guides, who represent the best of what The Bahamas has to offer in terms of its marine resources, are empowered to take their destinies in their own hands,” said Brandon J Bethel, Small Island Sustainability Programme Coordinator at University of The Bahamas. “This liberation from fossil fuels should serve as an example to be followed throughout The Bahamas, the region, and the world.” 

While many pathways exist for small vessel electrification, community engagement remains essential for designing and financing the development of necessary instruction and acquisition of new e-outboards. The next phase of this project will build on community input and collaboration to dive deeper into the next steps required for electrifying small vessels in The Bahamas.