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Thu 27 Nov 2008, 10:19 GMT

Eco-ferry arrives in San Francisco


Vessel is able to burn biodiesel and ultra-low-sulphur fuel.

The San Francisco Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) has announced the arrival of what it calls "the nation's most environmentally-friendly ferry" in San Francisco Bay this week.

The low-emission Gemini ferry, which runs on biodiesel and ultra-low-sulphur fuel, is said to be 85 percent lower than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tier II (2007) emissions requirement for marine engines.

The vessel is able to reach a speed of 25 knots and carries up to 149 passengers. It also incorporates selective catalytic reduction and solar technology. The two solar panels mounted on an upper deck will test whether solar propulsion is feasible in San Francisco Bay.

Innovative measures to protect bay and marine life include: low wake, low wash hulls & forward searching sonar for avoiding whale strikes.

On arrival in San Francisco, the Gemeni was taken to the Bay Ship and Yacht shipyard in Alameda and put in dry dock for inspection.

The WETA has said that there will be an Open House aboard Gemini from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on December 12th at Gate E, San Francisco Ferry Building. The event will offer the public the opportunity to have a have a first hand look at the new vessel.

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