b'FOGHORNFOCUS: ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUESFOGHORN: What can you tell us about the three new ferries being built. Who is building them? How many passengers will they carry? When you expect them to be delivered? And, will the new ferries replace the older ones?Jim DeSimone: Three new 4,500-passenger ferries were designed by [PVA member] Elliott Bay Design Group and are being constructed at [PVA member] Eastern Shipbuilding. Unfortunately, due to the COVID crisis, we do not have a firm timeline for delivery. It is anticipated that following delivery of the three vessels the 55-year old John F. Kennedy and the 40-year old Andrew J. Barberi will be retired.Staten Island Ferry operates eight ferries and new vessels are in the works, including its first electric ferry.Source: Staten Island Ferry.Where will the LED lights be used on the vessel? What about the Tier IV engineswho is the manufacturer and how efficient willYork City Office of the Mayor as an electrical efficiency they be compared to engines on your older ferries? project that included new high-efficiency HVAC, lighting The vessels will be completely fitted out with LED lightingand a photovoltaic system on the roof that back-feeds into and PVA Associate member Caterpillars EMD 710 Tier IVthe local power grid, for which the City is credited reim-main engines will make the vessels the cleanest in the fleetbursement.insofar as emissions. The all-electric ferry for the City Island-Hart Island service is What are the other features that more environmentallyexciting. Can you explain this project? What are the vessel friendly you mentioned? specs? Who is the designer? Has a shipbuilder been chosen? In addition to LED lighting, the Caterpillar EMD Tier IVWhich electric propulsion will be used? When is it expected to main engines and the propulsion system blades are designedbe built and delivered? for maximum efficiency. Waste heat will be incorporated forThe preliminary design (biddable design) is complete. This heating in passenger spaces and all grey water and sewagewill involve a plug-in vessel that will be all-electric with will be retained on board for disposal ashore.shore-side charging and result in a zero-emission operation. We do not yet have the specifics on vendors, as this is part of Regarding the ferry terminals, what can you tell us about thea competitive solicitation. We would expect to go out for bids retrofitting to LEDs? How long did it take? Along with the signifi- later this year and, hopefully, award a contract sometime in cant cost savings, are there other benefits youve noticed with2021 for possible delivery in 2022. the new lighting?Our terminals were retrofitted with LED lights last year,Staten Island Ferry has been a participant of the PVA Green which not only reduced electrical costs, it also reduces theWATERS for some time. Why is engaging in best green business maintenance-related activities, such as changing blown lightpractices important to your operation?bulbs, which also has a labor cost. In addition, the overallThe City of New York has made a commitment to a greener lighting in both terminals was enhanced. and more sustainable environment, and all agencies are actively encouraged to incorporate best practices into capital The photovoltaic system on the roof of your maintenanceprojects and operating procedures. As an active member facility is interesting. You mentioned that the energy back feedsof PVA, we take advantage of many of the associations to the local power company. What has that done for your energyofferings such as training, guidelines, educational opportu-usage and utility bills? Would you consider a similar PV systemnities and more. The PVA Green WATERS Program provides on your two terminals to further reduce energy use/costs? suggestions for best green business practices for passenger Our Ferry Maintenance Facility was selected by the Newvessel operators that can help us meet City goals. n8JULY 2020FOGHORN'