(NEW YORK) — The Trust for Governors Island last week unveiled its new hybrid-electric ferry, Harbor Charger, the first of its kind in New York state. The arrival of the new vessel coincides with the 20-year anniversary of Governors Island opening to the public, as well as major recent progress in its development as a leading destination for climate research and education.
The $33 million craft is the first hybrid-electric public ferry in New York state, marking a historic moment for Governors Island and sustainable maritime transportation here. The vessel was named following a citywide competition that drew more than 800 submissions across the five boroughs. The winning name was submitted by David Kurnov of Brooklyn.
Harbor Charger was built at Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, La., and traveled up the Eastern Seaboard over the course of two weeks this spring. The ferry has a capacity of up to 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles for island deliveries and services, and boasts an increased cruising speed of 10-12 knots – up to 66 percent faster than current ferries. It will replace the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, the trust’s current vehicle and passenger ferry that was commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1956 and has been in continuous use ever since. Later this year, Lt. Samuel S. Coursen will retire from service.
Harbor Charger is equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric propulsion system, its BlueVault advanced battery-based solution, and EcoMAIN – a technology platform that enables the operator to constantly monitor this state-of-the-art equipment. The hybrid propulsion system reduces air pollution by allowing the vessel’s systems to toggle between three modes: zero emissions, battery-only power, and battery-assisted hybrid with diesel backup. The battery-assisted hybrid mode will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 600 tons annually, allowing the trust to make groundbreaking progress on its net-zero emissions goals.
Once shoreside charging facilities are installed, which are currently in the design phase, the vessel will reduce emissions by an additional 800 tons annually. The trust secured $7.5 million in infrastructure funding from the Federal Transit Administration to support the shoreside rapid-charging infrastructure, enabling Harbor Charger to reach fully electric operations once installed.
Harbor Charger was designed by Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) and required more than 465 tons of steel, roughly equivalent to 11 subway cars, to construct. The vessel’s enhanced maneuvering capabilities utilize Schottel azimuthing thrusters featuring 360-degree steering. The ferry also features modern amenities, a lower-level ADA-accessible lounge, and restrooms on each level. This is the second ferry EBDG has designed for the Trust; the passenger-only Governors 1, built by Blount Boats, went into service in 2019.
– City Life Org
