b'FOGHORN FOCUSLessons Learned from Hybrid Electric Ferriesin the U.S.DREW ORVIETO // ABBI t is an incredibly dynamic time in the United States ferry industry,tion (MARAD), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and state and with operators and municipalities looking for innovative ways tomunicipal departments of transportation. Such funding can help ferry decarbonize their operations as part of the global pursuit of emis- operators offset the high upfront costs of purchasing and installing sions reduction and sustainability goals. Underpinning this push fornew hybrid electric systems. On the technology side, there continue greener solutions is a combination of market conditions that make theto be compelling advancements in batteries, shore charging solutions, development and implementation of new technology more approach- and alternative fuels, giving operators a multitude of options to choose able for ferry operators. The United States has one of the oldest ferryfrom when determining what approach will yield the best results for fleets in the world in terms of average vessel age (around 27 years), andtheir particular use.PHOTO: RICH McCUE / UNSPLASHmany operators are looking to replace their aging vessels with more efficient and environmentally-friendly ones. New builds, particularlyIn addition to emissions reduction, there are multiple potential im-with cutting-edge technology, can be prohibitively expensive and mustprovements that hybrid electric technology can offer ferry operators. be planned for years in advance. Fortunately, funding is currentlyWhile often capitally intensive upfront, these systems can provide available in record numbers from a variety of sources, including theefficiency gains and reduce operational expenses over the lifespan of recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill, Maritime Administra- a vessel. For example, hybrid systems can allow for the right-sizing FOGHORN 14'