This energy company focused on zero-emissions is opening a U.S. facility in Bellingham
A company that’s focused on providing zero-emission energy for the maritime industry is establishing its U.S. operations in Fairhaven.
Port of Bellingham commissioners approved a three-year lease Tuesday, May 3, with Corvus Energy to go into the former Index Sensors & Controls building at 300 Harris Ave., near the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Index currently has its operations in Arlington.
Corvus is expected to be operating in the 19,000-square-foot building in the next few months and will start with 12-14 employees, said Don Goldberg, director of economic development for the port. Facility employees will include engineers, assemblers and office staff, he said.
The company, which is headquartered in Norway and has offices in Vancouver, B.C., makes batteries for the maritime industry and is also getting into other fuel cell products. The company provided lithium-ion batteries for the M/V Enhydra, a 600-passenger ferry vessel built by All American Marine.
The ferry currently operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, providing silent, emission-free trips. It was the first hybrid-electric vessel built by All American Marine, said Bronson Lamb, marketing manager for the company.
Goldberg said Bellingham was competing with other communities in Washington state and Texas for Corvus’ first U.S. facility. Being close to the Vancouver operations was a factor, he said. The port also worked with the Department of Commerce to secure a $250,000 Strategic Reserve Fund grant that will be used for building improvements, relocation and workforce development.
“The building was also perfect for them,” Goldberg said in a voicemail message.
