Marcelino Alvarez, founder and CEO of Photon Marine, weaves together the past, present, and potential of humanity’s — and Portland’s — intimate relationship with rivers.

Marcelino calls on Portlanders to be pioneers again — and bring forth some “big dig energy” to transform Portland’s waterfront into an “electric river…”

…where whisper-quiet electric watercraft provide recreation and transport between a wide range of venues and amenities.

Rivers have always been pivotal in nurturing life and driving innovation, and Portland has a unique history as a center of both shipbuilding and associated workforce development focused on diversity and well-being.

Yet Portland's rivers are now largely overlooked as resources for enjoyment, commerce, and innovation — especially when compared to vibrant waterfronts in cities like Vancouver, Seattle, and San Francisco, as well as many European maritime cities.

Marcelino argues the time has come to reinvigorate Portland's historical connection with its rivers to spearhead a new era of sustainable maritime and societal innovation not just regionally, but globally.