Posted on November 4, 2022 at 6:20 p.m. by
The Maritime Executive
Plans have been announced for the first high-speed, zero-emission electric ferry in New York Harbor. In recent decades, New York City has experienced a resurgence in its city government-supported water transportation system. It has become an integral part of both the public transport system and a popular means of travel for tourists in the city.
New York Water Taxi, which was launched twenty years ago as one of the first with the vision of reclaiming New York Harbor for transportation and leisure, has announced plans to launch the new hydrofoil catamaran developed by Green City Ferries in Sweden. The new vessel is expected to enter service in the spring of 2024, operating New York Water Taxi routes on the Hudson River and sailing between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The company currently operates a fleet of diesel ferries carrying between 64 and 149 passengers. Since 2017, New York Water Taxi has been owned by New York Cruise Lines, which also operates the iconic New York Circle Line sightseeing boats.
“As a leader and innovator in the international maritime industry, we are extremely excited to bring our technology to New York,” said Hans Thornell, President of Green City Ferries. The Swedish startup last year unveiled the designs for its BELUGA24, a ferry based on proven airfoil technology. A sheet placed amidships lifts the ship halfway out of the water at high speed and thus significantly reduces water resistance. According to the company, it will use less power and create less wake turbulence while traveling at speeds of up to 30 knots.
The Beluga24 will have a capacity of 147 passengers and 28 bicycles. The vessel will use carbon fiber construction with foil-assisted Teknicraft design. The vessel uses a BAE Systems powertrain, Echandia power management, Toshiba batteries and Hamiltonjet high-speed water jets.
“New York Water Taxi has worked to bring cleaner, more efficient ferry service to the Port of New York and we have found the right partner in Green City Ferries,” said New York Cruise Lines CEO Craig Kanarick. . “We can’t wait to delight our passengers with this ultra-luxury, zero-emissions experience, and together change the public perception of how ferries can improve life in our city and around the world.
The companies promise the ship will deliver a new level of experience for travelers with ultra-quiet, high-speed and low-vibration performance. It uses a fast charging battery system.
The collaboration with New York Cruise Lines and New York Water Taxi is Green City’s first US customer. The company says it plans to introduce its first ships in early 2023 operated in Stockholm, Sweden.
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