The Trust for Governors Island, a non-profit established by the City of New York, has introduced the Empire State’s first hybrid-electric public ferry, the Harbour Charger. This milestone arrival from Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, marks a significant step toward sustainable maritime transportation in New York State. Built over two weeks and completed this spring, the ferry was designed by Elliot Bay Design Group (EBDG), marking their second project for the Trust.

The Harbour Charger can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles, replacing the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, a U.S. Army vessel commissioned in 1956. Equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric propulsion system, BlueVault battery solution, and EcoMAIN monitoring platform, the ferry offers advanced maneuverability with Schottel’s 360-degree azimuthing thrusters. This hybrid system allows operation in three modes: zero-emissions, battery-only, and battery-assisted hybrid with diesel backup.

The Trust reports that the battery-assisted mode could reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 600 tons annually. With planned shoreside charging sites, an additional 800 tons of emissions could be cut each year. This eco-friendly initiative received $7.5 million in federal infrastructure funding from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration, secured with support from Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer, and Congressman Dan Goldman.

Schumer highlighted, “This clean-energy transportation was exactly what I had in mind when I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.” The ferry aligns with the Governors Island Climate Exchange’s mission to advance sustainability solutions.

Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, added, “The Harbour Charger is a model for cutting emissions and improving air quality, proving New York can lead in climate innovation.”

Electrification: A Path to Net Zero

Electrification is gaining traction as a viable route to net zero for the ports of New York and New Jersey. In March 2021, these ports, along with tenants and agencies, secured $100 million for clean transportation projects, including electrifying cargo handling equipment. The Port Authority’s September 2023 Net-Zero Roadmap outlined 40 actions to achieve climate neutrality, while a December 2024 New York City Council bill targets zero-emission operations by 2040. This includes providing shore power to all commercial vessels, including ferries, by 2027.

The Harbour Charger exemplifies this shift, offering a “faster and cleaner” alternative to traditional ferries. As New York invests in sustainability, this hybrid-electric vessel sets a precedent for future maritime innovations, balancing efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Source: Offshore Energy