Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry begin testing renewable diesel bunker fuel
- Published
by Admin
The Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry will begin testing the use of renewable diesel fuel on their vessels, according to the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services on Monday (21 October).
NYC Ferry will also launch a short-term plan to upgrade engines on its largest vessels to reduce emissions and other pollutants.
New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is now testing the use of renewable diesel on the Marchi Staten Island Ferry boat.
The renewable fuel serves as a direct replacement to Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel currently used in the ferry fleet.
The agency plans to expand renewable diesel to the full Staten Island Ferry fleet in 2025. With an estimated 60 percent reduction in the Staten Island Ferry’s CO2 emissions; this move is critical to achieving a 50 percent reduction in these emissions by 2030.
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Ferry will launch a six-month pilot programme of renewable diesel fuels on select vessels.
Following a successful pilot, the goal will be to transition the entire fleet to renewable diesel in 2025. Additionally, NYCEDC and NYC Ferry will begin the process of upgrading 13 350-passenger vessels, the system’s largest vessels, to meet the EPA’s most stringent Tier IV emission standards.
These conversations will reduce pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) by up to 65%.
These immediate upgrades will be part of a broader sustainability strategy that will aim to transition the NYC Ferry fleet toward zero-and reduced-emissions vessels.
As part of this strategy, NYCEDC will begin a study focusing on both the vessels themselves and changes to shoreside infrastructure necessary to support their operation and NYCEDC anticipates this study concluding in late 2025. The study will provide valuable insight into facilities and vessel operators throughout the harbour. It will also serve as a valuable tool to attract increased grant assistance.
Photo credit: Staten Island Ferry
Published: 28 October 2024
