Vita Power Delivers All-Electric Seal RIB to Michigan Freshwater Research Center

Vita Power has expanded into Michigan with the delivery of an all-electric Vita Seal rigid inflatable boat procured by the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center in Traverse City. The Seal will be the Center's research and training vessel, operating from Discovery Pier on West Grand Traverse Bay. The 24-foot vessel is Vita's first delivery in Michigan, adding to the electric workboats the company has in service with ports, research organisations and others across the US and globally.

 

Details of the Delivery

 

Vita Power has expanded into Michigan. It delivered an all-electric RIB. This is a Vita Seal vessel. A freshwater research centre procured it. The centre is in Traverse City.

The vessel serves a research role. It will be the centre's research vessel. It also supports training. It operates from Discovery Pier. This is on West Grand Traverse Bay.

 

The Center Partnership

 

The vessel supports a new centre. This is the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center. It is a multi-party partnership. This spans colleges and universities. Other organisations are also involved.

The centre is under construction. Its first phase is a large building. This includes research and laboratory space. Classroom and incubation space feature too. Completion is expected in 2027.

 

The Vessel's Role

 

The vessel serves multiple functions. It is an on-water platform. It supports hands-on workforce training. Freshwater research is also covered. It will test new BlueTech technologies.

The vessel pairs with other equipment. It will work with an ROV. This was acquired under the same project. Together they enable varied work. This spans surface and subsurface tasks.

 

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The Vessel Design

 

The vessel offers a versatile platform. It has an open-deck layout. This gives researchers a clear working space. A centre console leaves room for gear. The collar aids diver entry.

The vessel offers capable propulsion. It has 160 hp peak electric propulsion. This gives instant torque. It suits holding station. It also aids close-quarters manoeuvring.

 

The Environmental Advantages

 

The vessel is environmentally sensitive. It produces no exhaust. There is no fuel to spill. It is almost silent. This suits sensitive habitats.

These features aid research. The vessel will not contaminate samples. It does not disturb wildlife. It avoids interfering with instruments. This makes it well suited to research.

 

Significance of the Delivery

 

The delivery marks a company milestone. It is Vita's first in Michigan. Company leadership cited the state's appeal. It combines research with state support. This makes it a natural next step.

The project has state backing. It was funded under a grant programme. This committed state funding. It leveraged private investment. This strengthens Michigan's maritime economy.