b'FOGHORN FOCUSCasco Bay Lines to Build NEW HYBRID-Photo credit Elliott Bay Design Group EBDGELECTRIC FERRYBY KAREN RAINBOLT // FOGHORN MANAGING EDITORM aine ferry operator PVA Vessel member Casco Bay LinesUsing EBDGs design, the new 50-meter ferry will feature PVA Associate has committed to an integrated hybrid-electric power andmember ABB Marine & Ports hybrid power, propulsion and a shore propulsionsolutionforitsnewvesselinatechnologicalcharging system, supporting diesel-electric and zero-emissions battery-change for one of the longest-established ferry routes in the U.S.Thepoweredmodes,aswellasacombinationofboth.Withtheferry new ferry is expected to cut up to 800 tons of carbon dioxide per year,operating in zero-emission mode, the passengers will benefi t from a signifi cantly improving air quality in and around Portland, ME.smoother, cleaner and quieter ride. Smooth running, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance will be supported through the inclusion of Following a vote of its Board of Directors, Casco Bay Island Transitthe ABB Ability Remote Diagnostics System in the vessel.District (aka Casco Bay Lines) will soon begin construction of a long-awaited new ferry to service Peaks Island, the most populousHybrid and electric solutions for ferries are on the rise with over 130 island in Casco Bay with a population of nearly 1,000 residents.battery-powered ferries already in operation worldwide and more than Using innovative battery technology, the ferrys diesel-electric hybrid90 on order, according to the Maritime Battery Forum. In line with propulsionsystemwillreplaceaconventionaldieselmechanicalU.S. governmental commitments to reduce the environmental impact propulsion system, making Casco Bay Lines one of the fi publicof public service transit systems nationwide, the Casco Bay Lines ferryrst passengerferrysystemsintheUnitedStatestofullyutilizethisproject has been partially funded by federal and state grants, with a technology.15-vehicle and 599-passenger capacity vessel to replace an existing diesel-powered ferry for the PortlandPeaks Island service along the coast of The new vessel will replace the Machigonne II, the passenger andMaine. Other major recent PVA vessel member electric projects include vehicle ferry currently servicing Peaks Island. Casco Bay Lines hasMaid of the Mist of Niagara Falls, NY which recently replaced its fl eet securedfunding,conductedathree-yeardesignprocessandheldwith two new electric excursion vessels, and Washington State Ferries is morethanfourteenpublicmeetingstoconstructanewvessel.in the process of adding hybrid-electric ferries to its stable of ferries. During their meeting on February 25, 2021, the Board reviewed the proposed fi vessel design and voted to authorize the DistrictsThebrand-newCascoBayLinesvesselwillincreasethenumberofnal President and General Manager to execute a contract with a qualifi edvehicles that can be carried to and from Peaks Island from an average of shipyard selected to construct the new Peaks Island vessel. The vessel10 per trip to 16, enhance passenger safety through an improved vessel was designed by PVA Associate member Elliot Bay Design Grouplayout, allow for side loading at the Portland terminal, and will feature (EBDG) in close coordination with Casco Bay Lines staff , and withmodern fi xtures and fi nishes. guidance from a Vessel Advisory Committee and feedback solicited from the public. FOGHORN FOCUS 8 FOGHORN'