Firefly - Solar Electric
Under Construction
Firefly is a 49-foot, fully electric, aluminum catamaran being custom built by Lyman-Morse boatbuilding in Maine. It will be the first U.S. Coast Guard-approved passenger vessel powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries—marking a major step forward for carbon-neutral transportation on the water.
Once launched, Firefly will call the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey home—serving as a floating classroom, science lab, and gathering space for students, educators, environmental leaders, and community members.
Designed to be quiet, smooth, and totally emissions-free, Firefly is built to get people out on the water in a clean and sustainable way. With solar panels on the roof and a wide, stable platform, it’s ideal for hands-on learning, group trips, and connecting with nature—while showcasing what the future of boating can look like.
Whether you care about innovation in marine technology or empowering communities through education, Firefly is more than just a boat. It’s a flagship vessel for the Mid-Atlantic—a bold example of what’s possible when carbon-neutral design meets real-world impact. From students testing water quality to scientists studying river health, Firefly will help bring a new generation of stories to life—on the water, where they belong.
Firefly Rendering
Firefly’s Build - Behind the Scenes
FIREFLY SPECS
LOA: 49ft.- 0in. | Beam: 20ft.- 3in. | Draft: 3ft.-9in. | Disp.: 11.9 tons
USCG Inspected. Capacity for 32 passengers, plus additional captain and mate
'Beachable' design with an extendable ramp for off-loading passengers in natural spaces
Aft lifting platform, provides ADA access and the ability to load 10 tandem kayaks
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries (Capacity for 48 x 165Ah x 51V)
24 solar panels covering the roof, supplying energy
Capable of plugging into a 50-amp outlet for battery recharge while docked
Continuous travel at 8 mph for 70 miles on battery supply
Camden Education Program
The Camden Education Program provides hands-on learning experiences on the Delaware River, transforming education for Camden students through exploration, science, and community connection.
Our Mission:
To give every Camden student the opportunity to learn on the Delaware River, encouraging environmental stewardship and empowering them to tackle global challenges.
Program Highlights
Experiential Learning: Students conduct water tests, observe wildlife, and explore ecosystems during on-the-water expeditions.
Environmental Stewardship: Students develop a lasting connection to nature and a commitment to protecting it.
Community Collaboration: Local residents, educators, and partners help shape a program rooted in Camden pride.
Innovation on the Water: The solar electric vessel, Firefly, brings cutting-edge, sustainable technology to student learning.
VIDEOS
Help us close the gap on construction of Firefly
