Historic Maid of the Mist boats will be retired, here's why
The company that operates the Maid of the Mist boat tours at the base of Niagara Falls has announced that two zero-emission vessels will be introduced September 2019.
The new boats will be powered by high-capacity batteries and will replace the existing diesel-engine vessels that will continue to operate until the fall. The boats will also feature new designs, with green colours representing the environmentally-friendly technologies.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The lithium-ion battery packs that will power the new boats can be charged onshore and only need seven minutes of charging after each trip.
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The company states that the new boats will not only be better for the environment but will provide passengers with a more enjoyable experience as there will be less noise and diesel fumes.
The Maid of the Mist VI (1990) and Maid of the Mist VII (1997) are two of the boats that will be replaced. The company first launched in 1846 and is one of the longest running tourist attractions in North America.