- Technology and Innovation
Vita Power Delivers the All-Electric Seal RIB to the Great Lakes
Expanding into the Great Lakes
The transition toward zero-emission marine operations requires highly functional hardware capable of surviving commercial daily use. Vita Power has officially expanded its footprint into Michigan with the delivery of an all-electric Vita Seal rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Procured by the Freshwater Research & Innovation Center, the 24-foot vessel operates out of Discovery Pier on West Grand Traverse Bay. This specific delivery adds to the manufacturer’s existing portfolio of electric workboats currently operating across municipal harbor authorities and international ports.
A Shared Platform for Marine Operations
Establishing a dedicated maritime hub dictates serious infrastructure investment. The Freshwater Research & Innovation Center represents a massive joint venture between Discovery Pier, Northwestern Michigan College, Michigan Technological University, 20Fathoms, and Traverse Connect. The partners are currently constructing a 35,000-square-foot facility on the campus, scheduled for completion in 2027. The Vita Seal functions directly alongside this development as the primary on-water platform for hands-on workforce training and the physical testing of emerging BlueTech hardware.
Integrating ROV Technology
Conducting comprehensive environmental research demands precise underwater telemetry. The Center deliberately paired the electric RIB with an Outland Technology ROV 3000 remotely operated vehicle. This mechanical integration allows research teams to execute critical structural inspections, extract physical water samples, and deploy sensor arrays both on and below the surface. The electric drivetrain of the Seal provides the instant, controllable torque necessary to hold station accurately while the ROV navigates complex dive sites below.
The Open-Deck Architecture
Commercial research platforms must prioritize functional square footage over luxury seating. The Seal utilizes a strict center console layout, leaving the fore and aft sections completely clear for heavy sampling gear and dive equipment. The inflatable collar creates a stable, low-freeboard perimeter, allowing divers to enter the water rapidly while simplifying the manual recovery of external instruments. Driven by a 160-horsepower peak electric propulsion system, the hull executes close-quarters maneuvering around heavy moorings safely.
Zero-Emission Waterways
Operating heavy machinery near delicate ecological zones introduces severe contamination risks. Because the Vita Seal runs entirely on electric power, the vessel produces zero exhaust, eliminates the risk of fuel spills, and navigates with almost no mechanical noise. This clean operational profile ensures that the boat does not disturb local wildlife or contaminate sensitive water samples with hydrocarbons. The platform remains fully operational by utilizing an Aqua superPower DC fast charger installed directly at the Discovery Pier Marina, ensuring rapid turnaround times between demanding research shifts.
