National Fisherman
July 16th, 2025
By Carli Stewart
As the fishing industry looks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, wind and solar power have become an increasingly discussed option for commercial fishing vessels.
Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), sees potential in both energy sources but stresses that careful consideration of each vessel’s needs is necessary for successful integration.
Solar power
Solar energy is often viewed as a straightforward solution to renewable energy. Solar panels can power non-propulsion systems on vessels such as refrigeration, lighting, and electronics, potentially reducing fuel consumption. Many Alaskan vessel owners have begun adopting renewable energy technologies.
“Solar seems promising for the seafood processing sector, but I am not aware of workable technology for our small-scale commercial fishing boats at this time,” said Behnken.
Despite the clear benefits of solar, Behnken noted that solar panels cannot replace the need for a fuel-powered engine on most fishing vessels. Instead, they serve as a supplement. “It’s especially effective on boats with limited space for large engines or battery systems,” she added.
Wind power
Wind power is another renewable energy source that has garnered some interest among fishermen. Small wind turbines installed on vessels could help reduce fuel consumption, especially on longer trips. Behnken pointed out that wind turbines can be a valuable supplement to traditional power sources but may not be suitable for all types of vessels.
“Not all vessels are built for wind power,” said Behnken. “But for some boats, especially those with larger superstructures or those that fish offshore, adding a small wind turbine could make a lot of sense.”
For those vessels that could benefit, wind turbines could help offset some of the energy demands, especially in favorable wind conditions.
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