Page 48: of Marine News Magazine (November 2024)

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Vessels

Esperanza “Hope” Andrade

Texas Department of Transportation

Earlier this year, the Texas Department of Transporta- designed to maximize life, performance and safety. The sys- tion (TxDOT) christened its ? rst new ferry in over a de- tem can store surplus power while the ferry is in operation cade, ushering a new era of vessel ef? ciency and reliability and dispatches it on-demand. This ef? ciency boost translates for the busy Galveston Ferry service. to improved fuel economy, reduced operational costs, and

Named for the ? rst female chair of the TxDOT and ? rst increased sustainability for the Esperanza ‘Hope’ Andrade.

Latina Secretary of State, Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, the “By installing our BlueDrive PLUSC power and propul- vessel was designed by the The Shearer Group and built by sion system, we have reduced fuel use, minimized emis-

Gulf Island Fabricators in Louisiana. sions and made the Esperanza ‘Hope’ Andrade quieter and

Stretching 293 feet, the double-ended ferry showcases more comfortable,” said Jana Nythruva, Vice President of cutting-edge propulsion technology and pioneering bat- Industrial Electri? cation, Automation and Digitalization tery energy storage systems. It is said to be the ? rst ferry Solutions in North and South America for Siemens En- to operate under U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter H with ergy. “This ferry has a suite of other Siemens Energy tech- installed battery storage. nologies including our BlueVault Energy Storage System

The ferry is out? tted with four 799-hp Caterpillar C18 which further increases its reliability and ef? ciency.”

EPA Tier 3 diesel engines and Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Capable of accommodating 70 passenger vehicles or

PLUSC power and propulsion system, which reduces fuel eight 18-wheelers per trip, the 495-passenger ferry services consumption by regulating speed, shifting control from port ensure seamless ? ow of goods, services and people between to starboard as necessary, and operating the diesel engines as Galveston and Port Bolivar. Operating around the clock, minimally as possible. The ferry’s electric motors drive Voith seven days a week, weather permitting, the Galveston Ferry

Schneider Propeller (VSP) units. Siemens Energy’s BlueVault remains a linkage for Texas’s transportation network, with

Energy Storage System uses an advanced lithium-ion battery each voyage averaging 18 minutes.

48 | MN November 2024