Staten Island Ferry to Be Converted to LNG

The Spirit of America, pictured here, is one of nine Staten Island ferries.

At least one Staten Island ferry will be converted to clean-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG), at which point it is expected the first ferry in North America to use LNG for power.

The Passenger Vessel Association’s (PVA) said Friday that the Staten Island Ferry has chosen the Association’s ‘Green WATERS’ environmental stewardship program to, among other things, oversee the conversion of an Austen Class ferryboat to LNG fuel.

“The Staten Island Ferry is the nation’s largest passenger-only ferry system today and in keeping with Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s PlaNYC agenda, we are committed to a cleaner, more efficient ferry fleet as part of a more sustainable future for New York City,” said Staten Island Ferry Chief Operating Officer James C. DeSimone. “LNG is a key part of this approach as we transition to cleaner-burning fuels and as we build a world-class ferry system for the long term.”

PlaNYC is a large-scale effort undertaken by Mayor Bloomberg to prepare New York City for an increase of up to one million more residents, strengthen the local economy, combat climate change, and enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers.

Using exemplary environmental practices, including the conversion of an Austen-Class ferry to clean-burning liquefied natural gas (LNG) that is expected to cut harmful emissions by 25 percent, the Staten Island Ferry is leading the North American charge in the growing movement by the passenger vessel industry to practice green and clean marine initiatives. The Austen-Class conversion is expected to be the first ferry in North America to use LNG for power. Along with the conversion to LNG, Staten Island Ferry has established an internal “Green Team” to assist in the reduction of energy usage, conservation of natural resources, and promote recycling.

The Staten Island Ferry operates nine ferries carrying almost 22 million passengers annually around New York City, according to the PVA. No time frame has been provided for the conversion.

The PVA environmental program, Green We Are Taking Environmental Responsibility/Stewardship (i.e. ‘Green WATERS’), is a voluntary program program designed specifically for passenger vessel operators to promote and enhance environmentally responsible practices and recognizes U.S. passenger vessel operators for demonstrating best business practices in regards in the marine environment.

In August 2011, U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand first announced that the Staten Island Ferry will receive $2,340,000 in federal funding for a pilot program aimed at converting one of the ferries from the use of ultra-low diesel fuel to liquefied natural gas. The conversion to LNG is expected to reduce fuel costs by nearly 50 percent, ferry officials say.

The Washington state ferry system is also exploring using liquefied natural gas to power its ferries. Other U.S.-flagged LNG projects currently in the works are two LNG-fueled OSV’s being built for Harvey Gulf and an LNG powered containership (the world’s first) for TOTE.