The Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator (BEI) has greenlit a US$250,000 pilot project with Canadian electrification startup VoltSafe, marking its 12th innovative venture since the programme’s launch in 2016.
VoltSafe is bringing its cutting-edge marina shore power and smart marina technology to San Diego Bay, replacing traditional pronged plugs with safer, corrosion-resistant magnetic connections. Their smart system includes software to monitor power usage, detect disconnections or leaks, and manage energy demand in real time.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, it’s powered by people with vision, creativity and courage to challenge the status quo,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Board of Port Commissioners.
“Through our Blue Economy Incubator, the Port of San Diego is proud to support forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are turning bold ideas into real-world solutions and creating a more sustainable waterfront for all.”
VoltSafe joins a number of other pioneering BEI projects, including coastal data firms MarineLabs and HyperKelp, sustainable aquaculture startups like Sunken Seaweed and San Diego Bay Aquaculture, and clean-tech firm FREDsense.
“The Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator is a global first,” said Trevor Burgess, VoltSafe chief executive & co-founder.
“Partnering with them signals more than a milestone – it’s proof that VoltSafe’s patented shore power hardware and SaaS platform isn’t just raising the bar, it’s rewriting the standard.”
To date, the port has committed US$2.35 million to blue economy pilots, supporting ocean-positive businesses while attracting millions more in outside funding and national recognition.
