Maid of the Mist ships have been sailing to Niagara Falls for decades with hundreds of visitors on board who can learn about the natural power of the falls in a spectacular way through the mist. Soon, the same will be possible from an all-electric boat.
Visitors to Niagara Falls will soon be able to get within reach of the swirling waters and primal forces of Niagara Falls in a more environmentally friendly way. Tourism company Maid of the Mist is about to launch a pair of all-electric boats. The boats have zero carbon emissions and spare visitors the engine noise and exhaust fumes inextricably associated with traditional 'tour boats'. Thus, nature is spared while admiring the scenic beauty.
The new catamaran-like boats are now being built in the US state of Wisconsin and are reportedly the first all-electric passenger ships to be built in the United States. Ashore, the lithium-ion batteries are charged with a charging system that allows the on-board batteries to reach 80 per cent capacity in just seven minutes. For an attraction that attracts tens of millions of visitors annually, the short turnaround time is critical.
Maid of the Mist aims to be at the forefront of implementing green technology. Intended to admire nature, it goes without saying that the company's ships also spare nature as much as possible. Passengers on board the ships are also introduced to one of the cleanest and largest sources of energy available: hydropower .
The boats are built in modules. These will be transported to a manufacturing and assembly facility near Niagara Falls for assembly . The ships are expected to be commissioned in September. The vessels may replace two older ships built in 1990 and 1997.
