b'MEMBER NEWSMackinac Island Ferry Set forElectric TransformationT he first-ever conversion of a MackinacPlan to make our state carbon-neutral by 2050.The Chippewa conversion is a pilot project for Islandpassengerferrytozero-emis- The budget I put forward includes several in- electrification of 28 Mackinac Island ferries in sions electric power will be supportedvestments in this space, and todays ferry grantall. It marks the launch of the MEAs Macki-by a $3.06 million award from the Michiganis another step forward as we build a brighternac Marine Mobility Strategic Plan to create DepartmentofEnvironment,GreatLakes,future for Michigan. full-time, year-round marine and shipbuilding and Energy (EGLE) Fuel Transformation Pro- jobs in the straits region. Also partnering in gram (FTP) Part 2.The grant covers half the cost of the project,the project is fellow PVA member shipbuilder whichincludesinstalling1.5megawattsinlncat Crowther.PVA member Star Line, now known as theshore power infrastructure at the Mackinaw MackinacIslandFerryCompany(MIFC),City ferry dock, as electric power upgrades areTheprojectisthefirstinitiativefromthe will replace two 1988 diesel engines with twoalso planned for the ports of St. Ignace andMackinac Island Transportation Master Plan, new electric propulsion motors on a ferry, theMackinac Island. conductedbytheMichiganDepartmentof Chippewa, reducing greenhouse gas emissionsTransportation as the key piece of a larger ini-by 14,152 metric tons of carbon dioxide equiv- Astheprimarymeansoftransportationtotiative to modernize the ferry fleet and freight alents and 887 metric tons of nitrogen oxidesMackinac Island, ferries serve about 500 year- ships serving the region. That effort includes over the boats lifetime. The project will beginroundislandersand750,000visitorsayear,transition from fossil fuels, supported by cre-immediatelyaspartofatwo-tothree-yearwith a summer peak of more than 16,500 aating local shipbuilding and servicing jobs and PHOTO COURTESY OF MACKINAC ISLAND FERRY COMPANYoverhaul that will redesign and modernize theday. During peak months, ferries make up toa marine industry training hub. The long-term vessels hull and appearance. 125 round trips daily. Built in 1962, the 84-footgoal is to transition all 138 Upper Great Lakes Chippewa is expected to carry 250-300 passen- ships in the 50- to 200-ton range to electric or We are continuing to make investments togers after the electric conversion and concur- hybrid-electric power.lead the future of mobility and electrification,rent redesign and modernization of the vessel.so we can grow our economy, create good-pay- In a related move in January, plans to build ing jobs, and lower energy costs for familiesAfterconvertingtheChippewatoelectrica new, more efficient, reliable, and environ-and businesses. Our mobility leadership mustpower,MIFCintendstosimilarlyupgradementally friendly Charlevoix-to-Beaver Island extend from electric cars and buses on the roadthe propulsion systems on its other seven steelpassenger ferry advanced with a $6.63 million to industrial power and watercraft, too, saidvessels that operate passenger or freight servicefederal grant added to a previous $14 million Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Converting atoMackinacIsland.Eventually,MIFCwillinvestment from the state. The current ferry ferry in the Mackinac fleet to electric will buildevaluate its seven high-speed aluminum pas- isoperatedbyPVAmemberBeaverIsland onourclean-energyleadershipandhelpussenger vessels for upgrades to electric or hybridBoat Company.achieve the goals of the MI Healthy Climateelectric propulsion.31 APRIL 2023'