The launch took place on Tunda Island, Banten, on Wednesday as part of the Clean Energy Electric Boat Innovation Expo under the SeaBLUE Project, led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, with funding support from Japan.
BRIN Head Arif Satria said in a statement issued on Thursday that the initiative aims to ensure that electric boat technology is both advanced and practical for use by coastal communities.
Transitioning to electric vessels is critical to decarbonizing Indonesia's fisheries sector and reducing its environmental footprint, he added.
"By combining improved boat design, hands-on training, and ongoing monitoring, we are laying the groundwork for wider coastal deployment," Arif added.
BRIN Transportation Technology Research Center head Aam Muharam said the SeaBLUE project introduces electric boats equipped with solar-powered cooler boxes to lower fuel costs, cut emissions, and maintain fish quality for small fishermen.
He said the project includes training and technical assistance to ensure the boats are safe, easy to operate, and environmentally sustainable.
"These electric boats and energy ecosystems offer affordable, green water transport, especially for remote regions, and represent a strategic step toward sustainable maritime transportation in Indonesia," Aam added.
UNDP Indonesia representative Sara Ferrer Olivella said small-scale fishermen are vital to coastal economies but face mounting operational costs due to climate change and rising fuel prices.
By providing solar-powered boats and cooling systems, the project aims to reduce fuel expenses, preserve catch quality, and stabilize fishermen's incomes, she added.
"This solution puts clean energy directly into the hands of communities, helping families sustain livelihoods and build future resilience," Sara said.
The project plans to distribute 162 solar-powered cooler boxes and six electric boat engines across 34 villages in Morotai, North Maluku, and the Tanimbar Islands in Maluku.
Officials said operator training and charging station installation have been completed, with final engine installation and additional training scheduled for late January, followed by evaluation visits in February.
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Translator: Sean FM, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Anton Santoso
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