|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Attendees of Marine Log’s FERRIES 2025 conference will have a unique chance to step aboard New York State’s first hybrid-electric public ferry, the Harbor Charger, on November 5, immediately following the close of the two-day event. Due to limited availability, advance registration is required for the tour.
The $33 million vessel, designed by Elliott Bay Design Group and constructed by Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, represents a major milestone in sustainable passenger and vehicle transportation. With capacity for 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles, the Harbor Charger replaces a 1956 diesel-powered ferry, serving nearly one million annual visitors traveling between Manhattan and Governors Island.
Outfitted with Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric propulsion system, along with the BlueVault battery solution and EcoMAIN monitoring platform, the vessel can run in fully battery-powered zero-emissions mode or in hybrid diesel-assisted mode. This advanced setup is expected to cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 600 tons while operating up to 66% faster than the current ferries serving the route.
“Delivering the Harbor Charger to New York Harbor is a proud achievement for Conrad,” said Johnny Conrad, Executive Chairman of Conrad Shipyard. “The ferry demonstrates how traditional shipbuilding craftsmanship can integrate with modern green technology to shape a cleaner, more efficient future on the water. We’re honored to partner with the Trust and the people of New York in creating a vessel that will serve generations to come.”
The ferry also features ADA-compliant accessibility and modern passenger amenities. It will be further highlighted in a panel discussion during FERRIES 2025, bringing together members of the design, construction, and technology teams to discuss the vessel’s development.
About FERRIES 2025
Marine Log’s 38th Annual FERRIES Conference will take place November 4–5 at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, offering views of the Manhattan skyline. In addition to the Harbor Charger tour, the event will feature networking opportunities and sessions with ferry operators, shipbuilders, regulators, and technology experts from across North America and beyond.
The conference’s official association sponsor this year is SNAME (Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers).
Sponsorship packages include branded sessions, lead generation opportunities, email campaigns, and tabletop exhibits. For sponsorship inquiries, contact David Harkey at 212-620-7223 (office), 973-563-0109 (cell), or dharkey@sbpub.com. Those interested in speaking opportunities for next year may reach out to Heather Ervin at hervin@sbpub.com.
