Berkeley Marina Cuts the Ribbon on New Green Energy Vehicles

Green power is expanding on the Bay, with Berkeley Marina adding one new boat and five vehicles to its fleet. On Thursday, April 10, a large crowd of supporters gathered on the lawn at the Marina Mall to cut the ribbon and celebrate Berkeley Marina’s newest harbor patrol boat — the all-electric Vita Power Seal — five additional new electric vehicles, and brand-new boater Wi-Fi.

The Seal is a zero-emission, 24-ft Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), built by Vita Power, and purchased with the aid of the CORE Voucher Program of the California Air Resources Board. Local businessman Tanguy de Lamotte of Vita Power spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, congratulating Berkeley Marina for being on the “front edge,” for “pioneering electric boating in the Bay,” and for “successfully navigating the CORE voucher process” that offsets the higher cost of electric technology.

Other speakers included Berkeley City Councilmember Terry Taplin, Deputy City Manager David White, and Director of Information Technology for the City Kevin Fong. Mr. Fong spoke about the challenges of Wi-Fi connectivity in marinas posed by mast and water interference as well as changing tides and choppy water. He was proud to announce the efforts in place to establish reliable Wi-Fi connections across all Berkeley Marina docks, resulting in broader coverage and sound Wi-Fi connectivity.

Marina staff met with boaters and gave e-boat demonstration rides through the harbor and into the Bay. Marina staff will be offering e-boat demos again on April 26 at the Bay Festival.

Everyone in attendance, from slip holders to boat-in visitors, also enjoyed affogatos from the Berkeley waterfront’s Roaming Bean Coffee, music, cookies from the waterfront’s Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, and Berkeley Boathouse’s beautiful cupcakes.

The Berkeley Marina is pleased to be leading by example on their commitment to sustainability and connectivity.