By Mike Schuler.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Trust for Governors Island have announced the city’s first public hybrid-electric ferry to operate in New York Harbor.
The vessel is designed to transition between battery-only power and battery-assisted hybrid propulsion with diesel backup, reducing CO2 emissions by 600 tons annually. Planned rapid charging stations will enable full battery-only propulsion and near-zero emissions operations in the future.
“This hybrid ferry marks a historic step forward in expanding access to Governors Island while promoting state-of-the-art and sustainable technology to power our ferry fleet,” said Trust for Governors Island President and CEO Newman.
The state-of-the-art ferry is designed by Elliott Bay Design Group and will be built at Conrad Shipyard’s facility in Morgan City, Louisiana. It will accommodate up to 1,200 passengers, offering modern amenities such as an ADA-accessible lounge and restrooms on each level.
The new ferry is scheduled to begin transporting passengers to Governors Island summer 2024, replacing the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, which has been in service since 1956.
Conrad Shipyard chairman and CEO Johnny Conrad expressed excitement to build and deliver the ferry to the people of New York City. “Since Governors Island is accessible only by ferry, we are proud that the Trust for Governors Island has selected us to play such a vital role in its growth and progress,” said Conrad.
To commemorate the launch, Mayor Adams and the Trust have initiated a citywide naming contest open to all New Yorkers (this could be fun). Submissions can be made through the Governors Island website until May 25, 2023, with the winning name to be revealed in summer 2023.
