Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (November 2025)

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Great Boats 2025

Harbor Charger

Siemens Energy

HARBOR CHARGER

The Trust for Governors Island introduced the Harbor Charger, New York State’s ? rst hybrid-electric ferry, in August.

The ferry is equipped with Siemens Energy’s hybrid propulsion system, battery storage and real-time control platform. n New York Harbor, August 12, 2025, saw the de- zero-emissions, battery-only power, and battery assisted but of Harbor Charger, a $33 million hybrid-elec- hybrid with diesel backup.” They explain further that the tric public ferry to operate in New York State with a vessel is equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Eco capacity of 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles, which diesel-electric propulsion system, its BlueVault advanced will be linking Governors Island, a climate research battery-based solution, and EcoMAIN — a technology

I and maritime education center in the Upper Bay, with platform … for monitoring the… equipment.” The Trust downtown Manhattan. The vessel was designed by Elliott points out that: “The battery-assisted hybrid mode will

Bay Design Group and delivered from Conrad Shipyard reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 600 tons annu- in Morgan City, La., and is set to replace a diesel-powered ally, allowing the Trust to make groundbreaking progress boat in service since the 1950s. Harbor Charger required on its net-zero emissions goals.” more than 465 tons of steel to construct, and sports en- This milestone coincided with the 20th anniversary of hanced maneuvering capabilities using Schottel azimuth- Governors Island opening to the public, a symbolic mo- ing thrusters featuring 360-degree steering. The boat also ment as the Island cements its role as a hub for climate features modern amenities, a lower-level ADA-accessible innovation, research, and education.

lounge, and restrooms on each level. Harbor Charger is the second ferry EBDG has designed

As explained by its owner, The Governor’s Island Trust, for the Trust, following the passenger-only GOVERNORS “The hybrid propulsion system reduces air pollution by 1 launched in 2019. allowing the boat’s systems to toggle between three modes: “Ferries are a vital part of transportation infrastruc- 36 | MN November 2025