Maritime Aquarium receives $148K from Chubb to repower hybrid-electric research vessel, writes Karen Tensa for The Hour news site.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has received $148,000 from Chubb, a global insurance provider, to upgrade its hybrid-electric research vessel’s batteries.
“We are grateful to receive this funding, which provides an initial investment to address the critical need to repower our research vessel with new-generation, state-of-the-art batteries,” said Jason Patlis, president and CEO of the Maritime Aquarium. “The funds provided by Chubb this year, and in years past, give us a significant head start in the race to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Spirit of the Sound offers visitors a way to explore Long Island Sound and the Norwalk Islands. A variety of recreational cruises are offered throughout the year, including marine life encounter cruises, sunset cruises, TGIF cruises, and seal-spotting and birding cruises.
The grant was awarded through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act’s Tax Credit Program.
Nearly a decade later, its batteries are reaching the end of their useful life. Using the funding secured through the tax credit program, they will be replaced by batteries that are heated and cooled to optimize performance during the temperature extremes of the summer and winter months.
Support for their green technologies
“We are proud of our longstanding relationship with The Maritime Aquarium, and happy to continue our support for their green technologies and conservation efforts which make sense on many levels.” said Jon Pensa, senior vice president and New Haven branch manager of Chubb.
“Good corporate citizenship lies at Chubb’s core — from how we practice our craft, to how we work to make a difference in the communities we serve throughout this region,” Pensa said.
The NAA Tax Credit Program is designed to provide funding for municipal and tax exempt organizations by providing a corporation business tax credit for businesses who make cash contributions to these entities.
In addition to the $148,000 received from Chubb, the Aquarium received $1,485 from the Fairfield-based Bigelow Tea Co. for this project, which will bring the aquarium closer to its goal of carbon neutrality as pledged in April 2022 with 23 other leading aquariums in the United States.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is home to over 7,000 animals of hundreds of species, including seals, sharks, rays, jellies, turtles and meerkats. Additionally, it offers sensory-enhanced 4D movies, in-person and virtual education programs for schools and families.
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Source: The Hour
