The Trust for Governors Island has today added the Harbor Charger to its ferry fleet, marking the first hybrid-electric public ferry to operate in New York. The $33 million vessel replaces the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, which has been in operation since 1956.
Built at Conrad Shipyard, Morgan City, La., the Harbor Charger was designed by Elliott Bay Design Group, Seattle. The ferry can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles for island deliveries, with a cruising speed of 10-12 knots. A Trust press release noted the new ferry’s cruising speed is 66% faster than the Trust’s current ferries.
The Harbor Charger is equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric propulsion system, BlueVault battery solution, and EcoMAIN monitoring platform. The Trust statement said the hybrid propulsion allows the vessel to operate in zero-emissions battery-only mode or in battery-assisted hybrid mode with diesel backup. The Trust estimates this will cut carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 600 tons annually, with additional reductions of about 800 tons expected once shoreside rapid charging facilities are operational.
Funding for the shoreside charging infrastructure includes $7.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration, secured with the support of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Dan Goldman, the press release said.
“Conrad Shipyard is deeply honored to have partnered with the Trust for Governors Island to build and deliver the Harbor Charger to the people of New York City. This ferry is a vital link connecting New Yorkers to one of their most treasured public spaces,” said Johnny Conrad, executive chairman of Conrad Shipyard. “We're proud to support New York City's maritime infrastructure and look forward to seeing the Harbor Charger serve the community for many years to come.”
The Harbor Charger’s introduction comes during the island’s 20th year open to the public and amid its development as a center for climate research and education. Current tenants include the Billion Oyster Project, the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, and Wind Support NYC.
