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It has been announced that two companies from the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator were awarded a contract to build a pump-out vessel for the Port of Lopez.

Washington Maritime Blue Companies Silverback Marine and PURE Watercraft Awarded Historic Vessel Contract with Port of Lopez

The first-of-its-kind all electric pump-out vessel will serve an important role in the Port of Lopezâ€™s mission to conserve and protect the waterways.

This vessel was purchased through a generous grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and will serve as the first all-electric pump-out vessel for the port.

â€œWe couldnâ€™t be more thrilled to have two companies from our program collaborating on a project. Especially one so historic that will have a substantial impact on ensuring the health of the Salish Sea. It shows the direct impact the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator has to bring the ecosystem together in profound ways.â€ says Josh Carter, Program Director of the Washington Maritime Blue Innovation Accelerator

The vessel will be built by Silverback Marine, based out of Tacoma with PURE Watercraft providing the all-electric power plant using their award winning outboard engines. Due to be delivered this summer, the 23â€™ x 10â€™ boat will feature a 250 gallon tank with an electric-powered bow door ramp.

â€œThe Port of Lopez was researching funding opportunities to purchase a pump-out vessel prior to the Covid restrictions,â€ says Paul Henriksen, Port Commissioner with the Port of Lopez. â€œWith the Canadian Border closed, it became obvious that there was a greater need than anticipated. We are excited to purchase and operate this vessel to help protect our surrounding waters and reduce carbon emissions with the use of electric motors. We are extremely thankful to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation .â€

About Maritime Blue

Washington Maritime Blue is a non-profit, strategic alliance formed to accelerate innovation and sustainability in support of an inclusive blue economy. With a mission to implement Washington Stateâ€™s Strategy for the Blue Economy delivered by Governor Jay Insleeâ€™s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council, we are a partnership between industry, public sector, research & training institutions, and community organizations. Maritime Blue works to create a world-class, thriving, equitable, and sustainable maritime and ocean industry through knowledge sharing, joint innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, business, and workforce development.

About Port of Lopez

The mission of the Port of Lopez is to protect and improve the social, natural, and economic environments of Lopez Island through responsible management of the Portâ€™s public assets. The Port District encompasses all of Lopez Island and manages the Lopez Airport, rental and agricultural properties, and a small day park on Fisherman Bay.

About Silverback Marine
Silverback Marine is a state-of-the-art full-service aluminum boat builder with both utility and pleasure uses. Based in Tacoma, WA, the company provides services from concept to delivery with their world-class in-house team. The company has provided vessels for military, commercial, and private customers throughout the region. You can find more information about Silverback Marine at www.silverbackmarine.com

About Pure Watercraft
Pure Watercraft is leading a fundamental transformation of boating for the next generations to hit the water. Founded in April 2011 in Seattle, WA, the company delivers innovative marine propulsion solutions that are more enjoyable and accessible for everyone, and more sustainable for the planet. To pre-order the Pure Outboard or an integrated boat package, or for more information on products, partners, and open career opportunities, please visit www.purewatercraft.com.