Terra Azul, an Azorean whale-watching company, inaugurated the TERRAZUL EVØ at the Vila Franca do Campo Marina in São Miguel. The TERRAZUL EVØ is the archipelago's first 100% electric boat, which will begin operating on August 15th, offering tours around the Vila Franca do Campo Islet.

"This landmark event represents one of the most significant private investments in the region, propelling the Azores toward a new green economy, setting an important precedent and commitment for eco-conscious tourism operations in the region," Terra Azul emphasized in a press release.


The whale-watching company believes the new boat reinforces "its deep commitment to drastically reducing the carbon footprint of local tourism," as it eliminates "engine noise and pollution" as it does not use combustion engines.

Terra Azul emphasizes that these are "crucial factors for the preservation of the delicate marine ecosystem and wildlife, a fundamental pillar of the natural appeal of the Azores Islands, and an equally essential resource for the local tourism industry."

The new vessel begins operating on August 15th, taking visitors "on tours guided by Terra Azul biologists and wildlife guides around the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo."

Tours on the new electric boat will be available daily, year-round, starting at 10:00 a.m., "informing visitors about the geology, habitat, species, historical facts, and local folklore associated with the submerged volcano of Vila Franca do Campo."

"This boat represents a significant evolution of our whaling traditions, embodied in the restored Senhora de Fátima, which was restored in 2010 as part of a social responsibility initiative. We are demonstrating that innovative sustainability and exceptional tourism experiences can coexist harmoniously, paving the way for ocean conservation," says Miguel Cravinho, co-owner and Director of Operations at Terra Azul.

According to Terra Azul, the fact that electric motors produce no noise is one of the vessel's main advantages, as the "constant underwater noise generated by large combustion engines is scientifically proven to be a significant threat to marine life."

"Many marine animals rely on hearing and sound for essential life functions, such as communication, navigation, feeding, and escaping predators. The constant hum and bursts of noise from traditional internal combustion engines confuse these vital natural sounds, interfering with their ability to find mates, locate food, and coordinate group behaviours. This acoustic disturbance increases stress levels, disorientation, and changes in migration patterns, ultimately impacting their health, reproduction, and survival. By eliminating this source of noise, electric boats help create a calmer and healthier habitat," the company explains.

Manufactured by Tideman Boats of Holland, the new boat was built in High Density Polyethylene plastic, a material that, according to Terra Azul, has “superior environmental benefits compared to materials normally used in boat construction, such as aluminium and fiberglass”, since the material is “resistant to wear and corrosion from seawater, which significantly reduces the generation of microplastics during regular use”.