NYC Gets World’s First Hydrogen Ferry

Large ships are generally not very eco-friendly. Even though they transport several people at a time, they emit tons of emissions, given that they usually run on marine diesel oil or bunker fuel, which is the cheapest and dirtiest fuel oil available.

But now tourists in NYC visiting the Statue of Liberty can go check out the famous NYC hot spot while going completely green. A new four-way hybrid ferry, that uses a combination of diesel, hydrogen, solar and wind power, to generate 1,400 horsepower will transport visitors to The Statue Of Liberty starting next April.

The 600 passenger Hornblower Hybrid will typically be propelled by hydrogen fuel cells, but there will also be a back-up diesel engine on board for “additional energy needs.”

The ship is extending its green efforts by also using recycled glass countertops, LEED-certified carpet, aluminum wall coverings that eliminate the need for wallpaper, LED video screens and lighting, and long-life, low VOC paint.

“By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island,” said Terry MacRae, CEO of Statue Cruises. “Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day.”

The New York Hornblower Hybrid will be launched three years after the San Francisco Hornblower Hybrid — the first hybrid ferry in the US which runs on solar, wind, low-emission diesel and electricity from the grid.

The company is hoping to extend its technology to other forms of marine transport like yachts and tug boats.

The passenger vessel will also feature an outdoor sundeck and two spacious interior decks – including one with glass walls that showcase the region’s landmarks and cityscapes.

Hopefully cruise liners follow suit, given that cruise ships are one of the most polluting forms of transportation/entertainment.

As we’ve said before, cruise ships emit nearly twice as much carbon dioxide than aircrafts.

In 2008, Carnival’s 11 cruise lines, for instance, released 712.kg of CO2 per kilometer on average. Which means 401g of CO2 is emitted per passenger per kilometer.

There is also a separate proposal on the boards to “prohibit the discharge of raw sewage, gray water and oily bilge water within 12 miles of United States shores,” according to a Times article.