Sign up
Log in Sign up
Thu 27 Nov 2008 10:19

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.

Arctic black carbon emissions urgency graphic. Clean Arctic Alliance urges IMO action on black carbon after COP30 disappointment  

Environmental coalition calls for Arctic shipping fuel regulations ahead of December 5 deadline.
Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Suez Canal Authority MOU Signing Ceremony. Egypt's petroleum ministry and Suez Canal Authority sign MOU for LNG bunkering facility  

Ministry and canal authority to develop LNG supply station in Port Said.
Legend of the Seas main engine startup. Meyer Turku starts first main engine on Legend of the Seas cruise ship  

Finnish shipbuilder fires up Wärtsilä engine ahead of 2025 Royal Caribbean delivery.
Malik Energy Leadership Development Programme group photo. Malik Energy launches internal leadership development programme  

Marine fuel supplier rolls out training initiative for managers across its supply and energy divisions.
Tom Wolodarsky, Lloyd’s Register and Hermen de Jong, Rondal. Rondal's Aero Wing Sail receives Lloyd's Register approval in principle  

Classification society grants AiP for rigid wing-sail concept designed for large yacht applications.
Stena Futura Naming Ceremony. Stena Line names methanol-ready hybrid ferry at Belfast ceremony  

Ferry operator marks 30 years in Belfast with £100m investment in freight vessels.
Vessels berthed at Fujairah storage terminal. Fujairah oil terminals add MLA securing requirement in latest revision  

Port updates pre-arrival documentation to address marine loading arm vibration during operations.
Singapore skyline with Merlion and central business district. Singapore awards three methanol bunkering licences from 2026  

Maritime and Port Authority selects suppliers from 13 applicants for five-year licensing period.
Graphic announcing sectoral action on black carbon. Clean Arctic Alliance calls for Arctic states to submit polar fuels proposal by December 5 deadline  

Environmental group urges IMO member states to act on black carbon emissions following COP30 announcement.
$35M Retrofit Fund Illustration. GCMD closes world's first pay-as-you-save vessel retrofit fund at $35 million  

Fund links repayments to verified fuel savings, offering unsecured leases to overcome financing barriers.




 Recommended