b'FOGHORN FOCUSFigure 1: Primary components of an electric ferry systemWashington State Ferries 2020 System Electrification PlanTherehasbeenconsistentinterestindecarbonizationowners and operators keep up with technology chang-and electrification at recent PVA Annual Conventions ates, so they can make better informed decisions for their MariTrends and PVA Region Meetings, with numerousunique situations.panels and presentations focused on these topics. Techni-cal advances in propulsion, shipboard power generationDecarbonization,ortheeliminationofcarbondioxide systems,cleanfuels,andbatterystoragealsocontinueemissions, is uniquely challenging in the maritime indus-to present new and improved opportunities. The Vesseltry.However,U.S.ferryoperatorshaveseennumerous Decarbonization Forum will provide a means of helpingsuccesses in recent years. The Gees Bend Ferry launched in2020asthecountrysfirstelectricferryoperation, with the Maid of the Mist electric vessels also launching that same year. In the same timeframe, numerous other The Vessel systemshavebeguntoexplorehybrid-electricandful-ly-electric ferry options. Some of the other leaders in this Decarbonization Forummovement are San Francisco Bay Ferry, which launched their Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) ferry program will provide a means andhasawardedcontractsfortheconstructionoffive new battery-electric ferries, and Washington State Ferries, of helping owners and which published their Systemwide Electrification Plan in 2020 and will open bids for new 160-car hybrid-electric operators keep up withvessels in May 2025.technology changes, soSuchindustryprogressisheartening,asistherising number of other operators pursuing ways to reduce their they can make better emissions impact and increase efficiency. Federal funding opportunities under the previous administration and pres-informed decisions for sure to meet numerous state-level emissions reduction goals have helped bolster the trend throughout all U.S. regions. ILLUSTRATION: KPFFtheir unique situations. From bustling urban operations in New York to rural Alas-ka, and from Georgia to the Bay Area, ferry operators are FOGHORN 10'