All aboard! New eco-friendly Maid of the Mist boats eye 2020 opening

10/31/19

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Since 1955, the Maid of the Mist has had boats in the Niagara River bringing millions of visitors up close and personal with Niagara Falls. When 2020 hits, those millions of visitors will have an eco-friendly, more comfortable ride.

The Maid of the Mist is currently approaching the final stages of construction on their brand new, battery-powered electric boats that will become their full-time vessels next season.

“It’s very important to us,” Maid of the Mist President Christopher Glynn said, “we’re a very integral part of that environment since the early 1800s.”

These new boats will give off zero emissions and limited vibration and noise, while also opening the boat up for more passengers.

“A lot roomier than the existing boats, a lot more space on them and I think people will enjoy the experience,” Glynn said.

Here’s a look at the changes coming in the form of the new boats:

Be among the first all-electric passenger vessels in North America
Utilize lithium-ion battery power
Produce zero emissions
Operate nearly silently with little to no vibration
Have complete redundancy in propulsion and battery power, with independent systems located in each hull
Be made from 5086 H116 marine-grade, a superior marine-environment, corrosion- resistant aluminum alloy
Not have diesel or combustion-based backup propulsion systems; unlike most other electric vessels, these will not be hybrid vessels
Utilize forward bow thrusters to further enhance the steering capabilities, allowing the vessel to maneuver sideways and dock with ease