The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk announced it has received $148,000 from Chubb, a global insurance provider, through the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Tax Credit Program 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.”
“We are proud of our long-standing 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.”
Joining Patlis and Pensa for the presentation of the check were Mark Fries, Senior Vice President of Assured Partners; Katherine Carrone, Senior Underwriting Officer of Chubb; Danielle Tranzillo, Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement of The Maritime Aquarium; and Dave Truedson, Chief Operating Officer of The Maritime Aquarium.
The Aquarium christened the 64-foot catamaran, Spirit of the Sound, in 2014 – the first research vessel in the country with quiet hybrid-electric propulsion. 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.
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 Company for this project, which will bring the Aquarium closer to its goal of carbon neutrality as pledged in April of 2022 with 23 other leading aquariums in the United States.
Visitors interested in exploring Long Island Sound and the Norwalk Islands can book a variety of recreational cruises throughout the year including Marine Life Encounter Cruises, Sunset Cruises, TGIF Cruises, and Seal-Spotting and Birding Cruises on Spirit of the Sound. To check the vessel’s current schedule, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.