More than 87 million U.S. adults participate in recreational boating and about 12.7 million households in the U.S. own a boat, but chances are, you’ve never seen a ship quite like the Enhydra, the hybrid electric ferry that recently took its very first voyage in the San Francisco Bay. The Enhydra is 128 feet long and can carry up to 600 passengers, making it the biggest aluminum-hulled passenger ship constructed in the United States that is powered with lithium-ion batteries. According to the operator of the Enhydra, Red and White Fleet, the ship is also equipped with plug-in electronic technology.
Last week, the Enhydra embarked on its first maiden voyage around the bay, making what Mercury News calls “one giant stride for the maritime industry.” The president of Red and White Fleet, Tom Escher, hopes the Enhydra will set an example of the potential possibilities of sustainable maritime technology. He says it’s been ‘relatively slow’ to adapt thus far.
“My concern is for your children and your children’s children,” he said. “The environment is not getting any cleaner unless we do something about it.”
That’s why the Enhydra will be using a unique form of fuel. The global specialty gases market is forecast to surpass $14 billion by 2026, and though not considered a specialty gas, the Enhydra will use a unique form of biodiesel to give power to a generator when its motor is not getting the power from its batteries.
This boat is also different from Escher’s other projects because its engine room is quiet. The company partnered with Cummins engines to repurpose a hybrid electric bus motor for maritime application. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the Enhydra has differing maintenance standards to adhere to. For example, there are six steps to de-winterizing a traditional boat, but due to its one of a kind hybrid electric engine and San Francisco location, maintenance is much more affordable and convenient.
“Red and White will benefit from stable electricity prices, which aren’t nearly as volatile as diesel and gas. And, maintenance costs are also projected to be lower than typical diesel engine. Battery technology is rapidly improving…meaning replacements will likely be cheaper, too,” writes Erin Baldassari on Mercury News.
Escher has made it clear — the underlying goal is to improve fleet sustainability and efficiency. He took over the business in 1997, and he wants to eventually reduce carbon emissions to zero. He’s even releasing all of the data about the Enhydra’s operations so that other companies can take note and apply the technology to their own fleet if they’re interested.
“People are gonna say, ‘You’re a small operator and you don’t understand,’” said Escher. “Well, we may be the pimple on the fanny of an elephant, but somebody has to be first. And, we’re gonna lead by example.”
