From Ambassador (Electric Boat Donation Ceremony in Samoa)
2025/12/19
Electric Boat Donation Ceremony in Samoa
The boat in the photo is a catamaran, similar to the Gualofa vessel I introduced previously. However, unlike a sailboat, it utilizes electric motors for propulsion. Similar to electric vehicles (EVs), it's equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which are charged to power its two motors. Solar panels are also installed on the boat's roof, enabling charging from this source.
This boat is one of four catamarans (locally known as "Alia") donated to the villages of Manono Island on that day. On December 12th, a donation ceremony was held on Manono Island, which I attended. This donation is part of the "CAP-IT" project, an initiative funded by Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While electric vehicles are increasingly common on land, electric boats remain rare. The introduction of such vessels in the Pacific region is likely a pioneering effort.
Manono Island is one of several small islands in Samoa, situated between Upolu and Savai'i. It's approximately a 20-minute boat ride from Upolu. Although it's a small island, taking just over an hour to circumnavigate, its population was 889 according to a 2016 survey, with local estimates now around 1,000. Notably, there are no cars or dogs on the island.
The boat is named "Penina o le alofa," which means "Pearl of Love."
The boat in the photo is a catamaran, similar to the Gualofa vessel I introduced previously. However, unlike a sailboat, it utilizes electric motors for propulsion. Similar to electric vehicles (EVs), it's equipped with lithium-ion batteries, which are charged to power its two motors. Solar panels are also installed on the boat's roof, enabling charging from this source.
This boat is one of four catamarans (locally known as "Alia") donated to the villages of Manono Island on that day. On December 12th, a donation ceremony was held on Manono Island, which I attended. This donation is part of the "CAP-IT" project, an initiative funded by Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While electric vehicles are increasingly common on land, electric boats remain rare. The introduction of such vessels in the Pacific region is likely a pioneering effort.
Manono Island is one of several small islands in Samoa, situated between Upolu and Savai'i. It's approximately a 20-minute boat ride from Upolu. Although it's a small island, taking just over an hour to circumnavigate, its population was 889 according to a 2016 survey, with local estimates now around 1,000. Notably, there are no cars or dogs on the island.
The boat is named "Penina o le alofa," which means "Pearl of Love."