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A cutting-edge passenger vessel powered by hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines was launched in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on Friday 2nd September.

The 1,400-horsepower, 168-foot New York Hornblower Hybrid, has been built at the Bridgeport Regional Maritime Complex shipyard on the eastside of Bridgeport harbor.

The vessel utilizes a unique power management system which integrates solar panels, wind turbines, a hydrogen fuel cell, diesel engines, and shore side electric power to charge an array of 192 batteries that run the ferry's twin electric motors.

The New York Hornblower Hybrid follows the 2008 launch of the San Francisco Hornblower Hybrid [pictured], the United States’ first hybrid ferry. San Francisco-based Hornblower Cruises & Events created both vessels and operates Statue Cruises, the concessioner authorized by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior to serve the public at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

The newly-build vessel will remain in Bridgeport for several more weeks in order to complete the fitting-out and sea trials.