Jim Wunderman: “Reducing emissions from San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels has always been a top priority for WETA.”
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) and Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) experiences that its Gemini Class Clean Air Conversion Project has been accomplished, leading to a considerable lower in air air pollution emissions from 4 of WETA’s San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels serving Oakland, Alameda, and Richmond.
WETA already operates the cleanest ferry fleet within the nation and, in September 2021, the Board of Directors continued that progress by approving a $5.5 million undertaking to improve the engines and cut back emissions on the company’s 4 Gemini-class vessels. The conversion to cleaner engines was accomplished over the course of 2022 and early 2023 on the JT Marine shipyard in Vancouver, Wash.
Funding for the Gemini-class ferry clear air conversion undertaking got here from the Air District’s Carl Moyer grant program and proceeds from the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s (Alameda CTC) gross sales tax Measure BB.
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, WETA Board of Directors Chair Jim Wunderman, and Emeryville Mayor John J. Bauters, who serves because the Chair of each the Air District Board and Alameda CTC, celebrated the undertaking’s completion on the Oakland Ferry Terminal.
“Oakland is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions so we can address the climate crisis and reduce pollution in our communities,” mentioned Mayor Thao. “I’m proud to stand with our partners as we celebrate the completed conversion of the Gemini class ferries serving our city. Now residents and visitors can enjoy our ferries even more, knowing that they’re supporting climate-friendly transportation.”
The 4 vessels have been constructed with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2 engines about 15 years in the past. The conversion undertaking changed these engines with U.S. EPA Tier 4 licensed MAN engines, the cleanest obtainable. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions are 73% and particulate matter (PM) emissions are 80% decrease on every of the 4 vessels.
The clear air conversion undertaking continues work that WETA began in 2019 when the company constructed America’s first high-speed passenger ferry with Tier 4 licensed engines. Today, 12 of the 16 ferries within the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet are powered by Tier 4 engines, making it the cleanest high-speed, high-capacity passenger ferry fleet within the nation.
“Reducing emissions from San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels has always been a top priority for WETA,” mentioned Jim Wunderman,chair of the WETA Board of Directors. “We were the first to adopt the cleanest diesel technology available, and soon we’ll be the first in the nation to operate high-speed, zero-emission electric ferries. We have a responsibility to give the Bay Area a transportation option that improves air quality and public health in the communities we serve and all of this work is connected to that goal.”
WETA has raised practically $100 million to pioneer the operation of zero-emission ferry service within the U.S. Those funds will help building of 5 small battery-electric ferries to serve Alameda, Oakland, and San Francisco’s waterfront neighborhoods together with the downtown core, Treasure Island and Mission Bay. Construction of the zero-emission vessels is anticipated to start later this 12 months.
“The Gemini Ferry project offers residents a clean transportation option to cross the Bay while reducing harmful emissions in communities that are most impacted by air pollution,” mentioned Dr. Philip Fine, govt officer of the Air District. “The Bay Area continues to lead by deploying the cleanest equipment to preserve air quality, protect the climate and safeguard the health of our communities.”
“Two of Alameda CTC’s top priorities are shifting away from single-occupant vehicles and advancing clean transportation, with special focus on reducing the environmental impact in low-income communities and communities of color,” remarked Alameda CTC Executive Director Tess Lengyel. “That’s why Alameda CTC is thrilled to help fund the Gemini ferry project through Measure BB funds and deliver on the promises made to Alameda County voters.”
WETA pursued the clear air conversion undertaking past regulatory necessities as a part of its push to inexperienced its fleet. The vessels can be utilized on any of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s six routes, however are most regularly utilized in Oakland, Richmond, South San Francisco and Alameda.
