Green Maritime Technology Advances with Hybrid and Electric Ferries
7 reported
New York state’s first hybrid-electric public ferry, the Harbor Charger, is preparing for its first full summer transporting passengers between South Ferry terminal and Governors Island. The $33 million vessel, designed by Elliott Bay Design Group and built at Conrad Shipyard, is 66 percent faster than the nearly 70-year-old ferry it replaces and can make the one-way trip in 10 minutes. It is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by at least 600 tons annually. Meanwhile, San Francisco Bay Ferry is preparing to launch the first high-speed, fully battery-electric passenger ferry in the US, backed by a $55 million federal grant, with service expected to begin in early 2027. Other cities around the world are using hydrogen fuel cells, wind power, and hydrofoil boats to move commuters across waterways. Denmark’s e-ferry Ellen holds the world record for the longest distance sailed by an electric passenger ferry on a single battery charge, saving an estimated 2,250 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Stockholm’s P-12 hydrofoil ferry by Candela uses computer-controlled underwater wings to lift its hull out of the water, reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by 80 percent.
What’s reported
The Harbor Charger is New York state’s first hybrid-electric public ferry, costing $33 million.
It is 66 percent faster than the outgoing ferry, which consumed roughly 420 gallons of fuel daily.
The ferry can carry 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles using 22 lithium-ion battery packs from Siemens Energy with backup diesel generators.
It is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by at least 600 tons annually.
San Francisco Bay Ferry is preparing to launch the first high-speed, fully battery-electric passenger ferry in the US, backed by a $55 million federal grant, with service expected in early 2027.
Denmark’s e-ferry Ellen holds the world record for the longest distance sailed by an electric passenger ferry on a single battery charge, saving an estimated 2,250 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Stockholm’s P-12 hydrofoil ferry by Candela uses computer-controlled underwater wings to lift its hull out of the water, reducing energy consumption by 80 percent.
Key figures
Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island
Thomas Hall, San Francisco Bay Ferry’s director of operations and customer experience
Sources: Wired
