Governors Island car ferry makes debut, bringing emissions-reducing hybrid-electric technology to lower Manhattan
Harbor Charger, a first-of-a-kind diesel-electric hybrid vehicle ferry in New York State, made its maiden voyage on 12 August, embarking on its first trip between lower Manhattan and Governors Island in New York Harbor.
“Harbor Charger joining our fleet of passenger ferries is a momentous day for the Trust and for the thousands of visitors who enjoy what Governors Island has to offer every single day,” said Trust for Governors Island, president and chief executive, Clare Newman. “We are excited to provide a cleaner, greener mode of transportation to the island for the nearly one million individuals that travel here each year.”
Designed by Seattle naval architectural firm Elliott Bay Design Group, the 1,200-passenger, 30-vehicle ferry was built by Conrad Shipyards, Morgan City, Louisiana. To lower CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, the US$33M vessel is equipped with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion technology supplied by Siemens Energy. The technology includes Siemens BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric propulsion system, BlueVault advanced battery-based solution, and EcoMAIN. To optimise fuel consumption and reduce air pollution, the ferry can operate in three modes: zero-emissions, battery-only power, and battery-assisted hybrid with diesel backup.
Initially, the ferry will use the diesel to charge its battery. In battery-assisted hybrid mode, the Trust projects it can reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 600 tonnes annually. Once shoreside charging facilities are installed, the vessel will be capable of full electric operation, reducing emissions by an additional 800 tonnes annually. A US$7.5M grant was received from the US Federal Transit Administration to support the shoreside rapid charging infrastructure, which is currently in the design phase.
The arrival of Harbor Charger coincides with the 20-year anniversary of Governors Island opening to the public. Just 10 minutes by ferry from the Battery in lower Manhattan, the island is home to historic Fort Jay and Castle Williams, as well as numerous bike paths, food and drink vendors, art exhibits and music events.
The hybrid-electric ferry will replace diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen – the Trust’s current vehicle and passenger ferry that was commissioned by the US Army in 1956 and has been in continuous use ever since. Later this year, Lt. Samuel S. Coursen will retire from service.
