It is expected that the vessel that will eventually replace the old state ferry Tustumena will be a hybrid battery-powered diesel-electric vehicle. The Alaska Marine Highway System uses federal infrastructure funding to help green its fleet.
Greg Jennings is the special projects liaison for the state transportation department. He told the Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board that electric propulsion is a major part of the future of the ferry system.
Jennings stated, “I would certainly say that there isn’t any way batteries won’t be part of any future maritime transportation environment in Alaska.” “Just because it’s where the regulations and the industry are going. It’s where funding is going.”
Nearly six decades ago, the 300-foot ocean class ferry Tustumena was built. It is being replaced with a room to house batteries that could expand.
Jennings believes that the installation of batteries on the vessel opens up many doors.
He said, “The beauty about this battery installation is that it allows us to do many things we couldn’t do before.”
At cruising speed, the Tustumena’s two diesel engines use approximately 150 gallons per hour. Jennings claims that adding electric power will enable captains to use only one diesel engine at times. According to him, this will reduce fuel consumption by about 1%.
Jennings stated that the state can save significant amounts of money by comparing the year-over-year cost of the vessel over its lifetime. Although it may seem small, 1% is a significant amount. Ship design allows you to save 1% every day that you use the vessel.
Officials from the state transportation department estimate that adding batteries would increase the ferry’s cost by millions. It is estimated that the ferry will cost between $200 and $250 million. Jennings claims that the state will rely on federal funds to pay for the ferry. The federal infrastructure law, passed last year, includes more then $1 billion in ferry funding.
Jennings stated that infrastructure funding available to the state is largely oriented towards efficiency and modern technology. “And it’s our responsibility to try to make the most of that. If we can’t, for whatever reason, it’s not a drastic move to remove the battery and say, You know, we don’t have funding. We’re not going to do that.”
The state is currently in discussions with the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping about what safety precautions should be taken for the hybrid ferry.
Jennings claims that adding battery power to Tustumena’s replacement vessel, known as the TRV, will enable the state to learn more about the technology and prepare itself for future projects.
Jennings stated that the TRV will be operated for 50 years. “And if we don’t plan in some capacity to batterie now the state will have to pay a higher cost in the future trying to fit it into vessels that weren’t made for it.” This is a great way to ensure your future security.
He claims that adding batteries to the design won’t affect the timeline. The new vessel will still be available for service in 2027.
Federal grant money of $46 million is also sought by the ferry system to purchase an all-electric ferry for shorter day routes.
