New York lawmakers today introduced legislation that would require publicly funded ferry operators to transition to zero-emission vessels over the next decade while directing the state to study charging infrastructure needed to support electric ferries.
The Clean Ferries Bill (A11303/S10381), sponsored by Assembly Member Tony Simone and Sen. Brian Kavanagh, would require publicly funded ferry companies to purchase only zero-emission vessels beginning in 2028. The legislation would also require other public vessels operating in New York State waters to be zero-emission by 2032.
The bill further directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to study the development of electric charging stations along the Hudson River and New York canal system to support the transition to electric watercraft.
Supporters of the legislation said the measure targets emissions from New York’s passenger ferry market, one of the nation’s largest and often compared in scale to the Washington State Ferries system. According to advocates backing the bill, NYC Ferry emits about 180,000 kilograms of nitrogen oxides annually.
“Zero-emission ferries are already here, already proven and already saving operators millions in reduced fuel use,” Fern Uennatornwaranggoon, climate campaign director at Pacific Environment, said in a statement released with the bill announcement.
Advocacy groups supporting the legislation argued electric ferries could also reduce operating costs for publicly subsidized ferry systems. Wayne Arden, vice chair of the Sierra Club New York City Group, cited estimates that NYC Ferry could save nearly $250 million over 15 years through adoption of zero-emission vessels.
The proposal comes as several operators in and around New York move toward hybrid-electric and battery-powered ferries.
Last year, SeaStreak received a $55 million Environmental Protection Agency grant to deploy three zero-emission ferries and two shoreside charging systems for service between New Jersey and Manhattan.
In 2025, New York City launched the hybrid-electric ferry Harbor Charger for service to Governors Island. City officials said the vessel is expected to reduce fuel costs by more than $200,000 annually.
