N.Y. ferry operator going hybrid with Corvus systems

(BERGEN, Norway and SEATTLE) — Corvus Energy has been selected as the supplier of energy storage systems (ESS) for Statue City Cruises’ ferries servicing the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island routes in New York Harbor.

Corvus Energy ESS will be integrated aboard Statue City Cruises’ current fleet of nine ferries and will reduce fuel consumption and emissions along the New York/New Jersey waterfront.

Since 2008, Statue City Cruises, which is part of Hornblower’s City Experiences portfolio, has been the official provider of ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, transporting around 4 million passengers every year. Additionally, the National Park Service recently awarded a 10-year contract to Statue City Cruises for the continued operation of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry service.

Miss New York, one of nine ferries in the Statue City Cruises fleet. Statue City Cruises photo

The hybridization of the Statue City Cruises fleet demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability. In fact, the parent company of Statue City Cruises, Hornblower Group, has been at the forefront of implementing environmentally conscious, emissions-reducing solutions. It was the first to introduce hybrid-powered passenger ferry service in the United States through their affiliated brand Alcatraz City Cruises.

The Alcatraz City Cruises fleet of hybrid ferries, including Alcatraz Flyer and Alcatraz Clipper, currently offer transit to Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. Both vessels utilize a Corvus ESS and are capable of zero-emission, fully electric service. A third vessel, Hornblower Hybrid, is also in the process of installing a new ESS for fully electric operation.

By leveraging energy-efficient upgrades, including energy storage, Alcatraz City Cruises states its fleet annually saves over 235,000 gallons of fuel, which is equivalent to taking 450 cars off the road or planting 718 acres of trees each year.

The hybridization of the Statue City Cruises fleet is an important step to reduce emissions and fuel consumption and enables a more sustainable ferry service operation along a key New York/New Jersey route. Rafael Abreu, vice president of sales and marketing for Statue City Cruises, said that “installing energy storage systems onboard our fleet allows us to provide a more sustainable transit to our passengers and will reduce the environmental impact of our operations in the New York/New Jersey region.”

The Statue City Cruises ferries will be equipped with Corvus Orca ESS, the most installed marine energy storage system worldwide, used on over 700 vessels around the world. The battery system sizes will vary based on the power needs of each vessel. Partnering with Statue City Cruises, Corvus Energy is working with Karl Senner, LLC for the electrical integration of the battery systems.

Battery-powered vessel functions produce zero emissions and require zero fuel, which in turn helps to reduce the environmental impact of the overall vessel operation.

In addition to supplying battery systems, Corus Energy will provide ongoing system monitoring and aftermarket services, including remote troubleshooting, spare parts, service engineers, and training for crew members, to support optimized system performance and lifetime.

– Corvus Energy

By Professional Mariner Staff