Local Scientist, Welder Create Seaweed Harvesting Boat | Newburyport News

Seaweed (Eucheuma isiforme)

SALISBURY — Drivers on Bridge Road may have noticed an unusual-looking, chrome-colored vessel taking shape outside Wilson Welding in recent weeks, but on Thursday, the boat was shipped off to be tested by a team of government scientists.

Conceptualized by Newburyport scientist Clifford Goudey and built by Wilson Welding owner Dan Wilson, the boat is a prototype seaweed farm vessel to be used for seeding and harvesting.

 Associate Scientist Loretta Roberson. Credit: Megan Costello
Associate Scientist Loretta Roberson. Credit: Megan Costello

It was built with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E program as part of a project run by in Woods Hole led by seaweed scientist Loretta Roberson. 

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