b'scale. Since the vessels currently in the fleet were not iden- With the purchase of the three used OSVs, the financial FOGHORN FOCUS tical, if one had to be taken out of service for any reason, itburden is much lower than paying for three new builds. The couldnt simply be swapped out for one of the other ships.costs worked out to getting three vessels for roughly the cost Now, with three identical vessels, any one of them will beof a single new build, allowing the company to replace near-able to be substituted without issue for another when need- ly a third of their fleet for the price of one new ship. That ed, saving the team a logistical headache.savings is a financial steppingstone towards the Steamship Authority investing in more upgrades or new vessels in the The vessels purchased are also newer tier in terms of EPAfuture. Davis noted that there are other aging vessels in the requirements. The old ships were tier 0 and the new onesfleet. The M/V Governor is celebrating its 70th year, though are tier 2. The Steamship Authority is working on a pathnot all with the Steamship Authority, and the M/V Nantuck-going forward that will reduce the operations carbon foot- et is turning 50 this year. Investments will not only be made print. While they are not currently in the position to shiftin the fleet, but in the operations facilities as well. Davis said to alternative propulsion methods such as hybrid or electricthat the capital plan that was in place at the beginning of systems, replacing lower tier vessels with high tier optionsthe year looked at doing engineering work this year and next helps them to make improvements wherever they can.year for the next new build and then putting it out to bid the following year. He expects at 2026 timeline for that. It will be the first time In terms of refitting other ferries in the fleet, Davis said that there may be some along the way. The M/V Island in the history of the Home was designed by fellow PVA member Elliott Bay De-sign Group and is completing its 18th year of service. They Steamship Authority thatmay look at a midlife refurbishment on that vessel in a few years and Davis said theyd definitely ask, what can we do theyll have sister ships in terms of the power plant on that vessel.in service. Its a big win,Thisisaconsiderationevenwiththenewvesselsthat were just purchased as they lend themselves to eventually making everything frombeing converted to a different propulsion system such as hybrid electric. Theres a lot of space below deck, Davis training to parts and said. Weve taken out all the tanks from when they were offshore supply vessels, so we have that area down below. materials interchangeable,This space may be perfect for battery storage for instance, so converting these vessels is a possibility down the road.offering economy of scale. Davispointedoutthatthereisalsotheissueofpower supply at the ferry terminals. Another concern is that the terminal on one of the routes served by the Steamship Au-During the first of the three conversion projects, the initialthority has a very shallow harbor. The draft that the ships vessel was bisected and its midbody removed to reduce itsmust maintain to service that route is a main consideration overall length to 245 feet. The vessel was outfitted withfor any future vessel conversions. two Caterpillar engines, each rated at 2,000 horsepower; two controllable pitch propellers; and three 950 horsepowerAdoptinghybridandelectricoptionsgoesbeyondsim-thrusters to allow for greater maneuverability. The vesselply the ferries for the Steamship Authority. A recent re-also now features state-of-the-art radar, communications,constructionatWoodsHoleTerminalincludedadding and navigation systems; two marine evacuation systems andcharging stations for intercity and local Regional Transit a rescue boat; and an interior passenger area with seating forAuthority (RTA) buses which use the terminal as an end approximately 80 passengers. The new ferry can carry thepoint on various routes. The Steamship Authority has its equivalent of approximately 50 automobiles per trip. own extensive shuttle service since they dont have parking FOGHORN 20'