EBDG-Designed Ferry Enters Construction

 Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) announces their design of a hybrid-electric passenger vehicle ferry for Casco Bay Lines of Portland, Maine will enter the construction phase at Senesco Marine of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The 164-foot ferry will replace an existing diesel-powered ferry, the MACHIGONNE II, resulting in a reduction of 800 tons of carbon dioxide each year, helping to improve air quality in and around Portland, Maine.

EBDG has supported Casco Bay Lines and their steering committee since 2018 as they prepared and planned for this replacement ferry, operating between Portland and Peaks Island, Maine. The contract design meets operational requirements, increased passenger demand and Casco Bay Lines’ goal of reducing their carbon footprint. As part of the preliminary design efforts, EBDG prepared a propulsion selection study to compare various propulsion systems based on capital cost, operating cost, reliability, serviceability, CO2 emissions, and in port noise and exhaust generation.

The result is a ferry that features ABB Marine & Ports’ hybrid propulsion system supporting diesel-electric and zero-emissions battery-powered modes, as well as a combination of both. With the ferry operating in zero-emission mode, the passengers will benefit from a smoother, quieter and cleaner ride. A Stemmann Technik FerryCHARGER shore charging system is also provided by ABB for rapid vessel charging in Portland.

The hybrid-electric ferry has capacity for 15 vehicles and 599 passengers, spread across three decks including a sun deck with unobstructed views. The double-ended configuration eliminates the need to turn the vessel around and thus reduces the required speed and energy consumption for the new vessel even though it is larger than the MACHIGONNE II.

EBDG will provide technical support services to Casco Bay Lines as the ferry progresses through construction. The ferry is expected to enter operating service in 2024.

CASCO BAY LINES is a ferry system that provides year-round passenger, freight, postal and vehicle ferry service to the islands of Casco Bay from Portland, Maine. For over 150 years, their vessels have been transporting people from Portland to the islands of Casco Bay.

SENESCO MARINE LLC is the premier Northeast builder of double-hulled barges, tugboats, ferries and other vessels. They provide customers with on-time delivery and unmatched quality and workmanship backed by highly skilled and trained employees. This same commitment carries right through to the Repair Division, offering repair work and dry dock services for vessels of all sizes.

ABB is the leading provider of electrical power distribution and automation for the marine industry. Specializing in low- and medium-voltage systems for cruise and off-shore vessels, ABB is constantly bringing innovative technology to market. ABB products and systems deliver better energy efficiency, better use of space, effective automation, greater safety and improved comfort. From space-saving to connectivity and automation, ABB leads the way in marine. With a wealth of experience and a solid commitment to the industry, ABB is helping customers face new challenges, create sustainable systems and build successful businesses.

ELLIOTT BAY DESIGN GROUP is a full-service, employee-owned naval architecture and marine engineering firm that supports owners, operators and shipyards. Their team of naval architects, engineers, designers and analysts have expertise with designing, supporting and analyzing the feasibility of marine transportation. With a focus on responsiveness, EBDG delivers designs that are better to build and better to operate.