Page 18: of Marine News Magazine (May 2026)

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Electri? cation

Ferries

In addition to the cost, the evolving technologies that

Future Outlook for U.S. Ferry Electri? cation create opportunities for electri? cation also introduce op-

The world is seeing a trend toward electri? cation and erational challenges.

other emission reducing strategies. Compared to tradition- al ferries, electric ferries are quieter, smoother, and emit

Emerging Technologies and less diesel exhaust odors, so they provide a more comfort-

Infrastructure Gaps able ride for passengers.

The ? rst projects in the country to develop and put

IMO regulations are becoming more stringent to reduce emissions-reducing and fuel-saving technologies to use emissions from ships, which incentivizes electri? cation come with their own set of challenges.

and decarbonization. While the United States does not

Since there is not yet a signi? cant demand, the batteries currently have strong federal marine emissions require- required for electric ferries are dif? cult to source. This is ments, there may be additional regulations in the future.

especially true for vessels that must comply with the Buy

The initial investment for an electric ferry can be a chal-

America Act. To date, obtaining batteries for American lenge. However, technological developments are allow- ships relies heavily on international trade.

ing electri? cation to become more cost-competitive with

As is the case with all newer technologies, there is a learn- traditional combustion engines over the life of the vessel; ing curve with the commissioning, operation, and mainte- electric ferries are trending toward lower maintenance de- nance of electric ferries. Further, the available technologies mands and reduced fuel costs compared to internal com- for use in the United States are restricted to those limited bustion engines.

options that are approved by USCG. While there are elec-

As the gap between international progress and domestic tri? cation studies and data from across the world, most of adoption persists, stakeholders across the U.S. maritime it is not readily available and in English for designers, own- industry will need to evaluate how electri? cation ? ts into ers, and operators in the United States to reference.

long-term ? eet strategies.

One additional challenge associated with the develop-

While the complicated regulations, changing economic ing technologies is that there is not yet a standard ship- dynamics, and emerging technologies present challenges to-shore fast charging connector. An established standard to owners and operators, EBDG offers design and engi- could simplify choices for owners and result in longer-term neering support to projects across the maritime industry. solutions with greater technological support.

With experience supporting ferry systems and vessel de-

As these challenges continue to shape the pace of adop- sign initiatives, our team is dedicated to helping clients tion, the industry is also looking ahead at what comes next.

? nd solutions to their unique concerns.

A snapshot of infrastructure that provides shore charging at ferry terminals.

Washington State DOT 18 | MN May 2026