This Old Hull

This Old Hull
CEMI’s Official Demonstration & YouTube Series

This Old Hull is the official YouTube channel and structured demonstration series of THE CENTER FOR ELECTRIC MARINE INNOVATION INC.

Through a documented nine-episode format, each featured vessel becomes both a technical case study and a public story — from vessel selection through propulsion integration, commissioning, and final sea trial.

Every boat is a story.

Every story demonstrates responsible marine electrification.

Phase I: Proof of Concept – The CEMI Demonstration Fleet

CEMI’s initial phase focuses on the acquisition, restoration, and electrification of three legacy vessels under nonprofit ownership.

These vessels will serve as:

  • Public education platforms
  • Workforce training environments
  • Performance validation assets
  • Environmental demonstration vessels

Each project is documented through a structured nine-episode format covering:

  1. Vessel identification and evaluation
  2.  Hull efficiency analysis (with emphasis on full displacement and semi-displacement designs)
  3. Removal of internal combustion systems
  4. Electric propulsion integration
  5. Battery and energy system installation
  6. Safety and compliance review
  7. Dockside commissioning
  8. Performance measurement
  9. Final sea trial and operational validation

By prioritizing full displacement and semi-displacement hulls, Phase I focuses on vessel types that align with current battery energy density and efficient cruising profiles. This ensures responsible, technically appropriate deployment rather than experimental overreach.

All demonstration data collected during Phase I will support measurable reporting on:

  • Energy consumption (kWh per nautical mile)
  • Operational range
  • Acoustic reduction
  • Maintenance and lifecycle implications
  • System reliability

The objective of Phase I is validation, transparency, and repeatability.

Phase II: Owner-Based expansion Model

Following successful completion and evaluation of the initial three demonstration vessels, CEMI intends to transition to an owner-supported conversion model.

In Phase II, vessel owners seeking responsible electrification pathways will partner with the Center to document and validate their own projects under the structured This Old Hull format.

Each participating vessel would:

  • Follow the established nine-episode documentation model
  • Operate under CEMI educational oversight
  • Contribute performance data to the Center’s growing knowledge base
  • Maintain manufacturer neutrality and transparency standards

This phased transition allows the Center to expand impact beyond its owned fleet while maintaining governance, safety standards, and environmental accountability.

By proving the model first and scaling through collaboration, CEMI creates a practical pathway for broader adoption across the legacy marine fleet.

Why Displacement and Semi-Displacement Vessels?

Electric propulsion is not universally suited to every hull type under current energy storage limitations.

CEMI prioritizes full displacement and partial displacement vessels because they:

  • Operate efficiently at moderate cruising speeds
  • Require predictable power demand
  • Support realistic range modeling
  • Represent a practical entry point for marine electrification

This approach reflects responsible engineering alignment rather than aspirational marketing.

Public Education Through Transparency

This Old Hull allows the public to observe the full electrification process — not just the outcome.

Each season documents:

  • Technical decision-making
  • Installation challenges
  • Safety protocols
  • Environmental considerations
  • Final operational performance

By broadcasting the complete journey from selection to sea trial, the Center fosters informed adoption grounded in measurable results.

Governance & Independence

This Old Hull operates fully under THE CENTER FOR ELECTRIC MARINE INNOVATION INC.

All vessels, documentation, educational materials, and performance data are governed by the nonprofit to ensure:

  • Manufacturer neutrality
  • Public transparency
  • Environmental accountability
  • Data integrity

The program exists to educate and validate — not to promote any single manufacturer or product.

Support the Next Vessel

Marine electrification requires visible demonstration, measurable outcomes, and structured collaboration.

Through This Old Hull, CEMI is building a documented and scalable model for responsible electric propulsion adoption.

We invite foundations, industry partners, marina operators, and community stakeholders to participate in advancing the next vessel conversion and expanding the impact of this initiative.

 

Accelerating the responsible transition to zero-emission marine propulsion