b'Rendering of a hybrid water taxi. Credit: EBDG Recently, EBDG has FOGHORN FOCUSdeveloped the design for an innovative 60-ft hybrid/electric water taxi that meets many operational needs. This vessel design takes intoThe hybrid water taxi is designed for short runs at low using batteries with the ability consideration a numberto have a supplemental system for longer runs at high speeds. Credit: EBDGof factors: climate change, new technology, and of course the laws of physics. Making the Case forchange, new technology, and of course the laws of physics. The design can be scaled up or down in capacity as needed for a particular route, with HYBRID WATER TAXIS various options for accommodating bicycles, low bridges, and passenger loading arrangements.The hybrid/electric water taxi can be outfi tted withanypropulsionsystemsuitableforthe BY CATHERINE HALE AND JOHN WATERHOUSE // ELLIOTT BAY DESIGN GROUP route requirements and that achieves the owners environmentalobjectives.Availablepropulsion options are on a continuum from all-electric to I n waterfront cities across the United States, people are thinkingIn addition to the Boston study, EBDG has also looked at numerousfuel cells to hybrid-electric to conventional diesel, about how to improve transit and connect districts.Over the pastexisting and planned operations for water taxis.We have observed thewith the above discussed variables driving to the three decades, what were formerly industrial areas, with factories,following: best route specifi c solution.shipping docks, and warehouses have been rebuilt into housing retail and office spaces.When these areas were primarily industrial, good Every route/locale is diff erent; there is no one size fi ts all. For shorter runs at relatively low speeds, lithium-transportation connections were less important but now the newion batteries can be installed as the sole source residents rightly want connectivity.Water taxis are one mode of Traffic demand, frequency of service, and travel purpose allofenergystorage.Thebatteriesdriveelectric transportation that can be a useful component in improving transit. infl uence the size and speed of the vessels. propulsionmotorsandaresuitableforrapid recharging at docks with a boost from a housetop Cities with water taxis include Charleston SC, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Thoroughly understanding the docks and piers is critical forsolar array. Baltimore MD, and Washington DC.Other locales are looking atsafe operations serving a range of passenger mobilities, and also theconcept,includingSarasotaFL(fi nal_report.pdf(fl oridajobs. important for infrastructure improvements required for batteryAllelectricwithshorechargingisafantastic org), Lake Sakakawea (fi nal_report.pdf (fortbertholdplan.org), andcharging facilities. propulsionoptionforthosewhohavelonger San Francisco (Executive Summary 08312009 (sfport.com). Elliottpassenger loading times, and multiple stops in Bay Design Group (EBDG) was part of a consultant team in 2017 Seasonality of service and peak time of day for demand willdense areas. This allows the water taxi to partially supporting Boston Harbor Now on a Comprehensive Boston Harborinfl uence the choice of transit options by riders. recharge during regular stops while the passengers Water Transportation Study and Business Plans. This study affirmedare loading or disembarking the ferry. Having a the business case for expanding ferry service around Bostons inner Minimizing operating costs is essential for fi nancial viability. longer loading time allows the vessel to charge up harbor.for its next sleek environmentally friendly trip. Connections to other transportation modes is critical since few In looking at the vessels, the Executive Summary (Executive Summarycustomers just want to ride the ferry. For longer runs at higher speed, or where there Flat Layout_Inner Harbor (bostonharbornow.org) stated: is no infrastructure to support rapid charging, In the long term, new hybrid/electric vessels specially built for thisTo date, we have worked on a wide range of water taxi projects, fromthe design can use a hybrid system, where dieselMaintenancea vessel with a single crew member carrying 30 passengers on routesgeneratorsets,supplementedbybatteries,can routesshorttrips,speedrestrictions,andprojectedridershipareof less than one mile, to a vessel capable of making 22 knots whileprovide a higher power output while still allowingSimplified!recommended.Newvesselswouldrequirecapitalinvestmentup- carrying 40 passengers and two crew.all-electric operation at slow speeds or while at front,buttherewouldbelong-termoperatingcostsavingswiththe dock. As battery technologies improve, the substantially lower fuel costs and improved fl exibility from having aRecently, EBDG has developed the design for an innovative 60-fthybridsystemcanalsofl tousethegreaterex fl hybrid/electric water taxi that meets many operational needs. Thisenergy storage capacity and further reduce the17 eet of identical ferries.vessel design takes into consideration a number of factors: climateuse of hydrocarbon fuels. Improvements in fuel cell technology have also ushered in an era of zero- 978-562-5211emission possibilities. WheelHouseTech.comFOGHORN FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 18 FOGHORN JULY 2021 19 FOGHORN FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES'