PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A research vessel is visiting Portland, Maine, carrying the largest tidal energy turbine ever deployed in the U.S.

The Energy Tide 2 is being welcomed by Portland and Coast Guard officials on the city’s waterfront Monday morning. The ship and turbine are owned by Ocean Renewable Power Co. and are home-ported in Eastport.

Ocean Renewable Power says the prototype underwater power system is scheduled to be connected to the region’s electrical grid by the end of the year. The 150-kilowatt unit will power up to 60 homes, and the company plans to install more units in the year ahead.

The ship is visiting Portland for the EnergyOcean International Conference, which is being held Tuesday through Thursday at the Holiday Inn by the Bay.