Digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther has been commissioned by Los Angeles operator Catalina Express to design a new low-emission, renewable diesel-powered passenger ferry.
The new ferry will form part of the Port of Los Angeles’ US$ 31 m Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) project, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Catalina Express was awarded a US$ 15m grant to match its own contribution to the project. LA MER aims to test and evaluate emission-reduction technologies as part of the Port of Los Angeles’ goal of becoming a zero-emission port.
The new 48m passenger ferry will service the one-hour tourist route between Los Angeles’ Long Beach Port and Santa Catalina Island. Capable of transporting up to 516 passengers across three decks at speeds of up to 37 knots, the new vessel will be powered by renewable diesel fuel (R-99) formulated from plant-based stocks. The new vessel will be propelled by four EPA Tier 4-compliant MTU 4000 series engines, each designed to be equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) once certified by the EPA, USCG, and CARB to meet CARB commercial harbour craft regulations.
The new vessel will replace three smaller Tier 2 and Tier 3 ferries with a combined six diesel engines, helping to reduce emissions while maintaining the same passenger capacity within the Catalina Express fleet.
In addition to offering a lower-emission transport option, the new vessel will also provide a enhanced passenger comfort via a resiliently mounted superstructure which will reduce vibrations and noise transmitted from the hulls. The vessel has been designed with active ride control comprising a pair of Naiad Active T-foil and interceptors to help reduce vessel motions.
Construction on the new vessel, which will take place at Marine Group Boat Works in San Diego, California, is planned to start in July 2025 with sea trials expected to occur in 2027.
Greg Bombard, President and CEO, Catalina Express, said: “For over 43 years, Catalina Express has been environmentally conscious and has been able to meet or exceed federal and state regulations to help reduce emissions. Catalina Express is grateful to CARB for this grant and the partnership with the Port of Los Angeles. Their support has allowed us to move forward on the construction of this new vessel to further the mission of environmental advancement and continuing to provide a valuable and affordable ferry service to Catalina Island for Island residents, visitors and local communities.”
CARB Chair Liane Randolph said: “CARB is proud to support the development of the next generation of advanced marine vessels that will help protect the health of those living and working near ports. California is demonstrating what is possible and is leading the way in bringing cleaner marine vessel technology to the market.”
LA MER is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Incat Crowther North America MD Grant Pecoraro said: “Incat Crowther is pleased to have been selected to design another ground-breaking and technologically advanced vessel for Catalina Express. We have an extensive track record of designing low and zero-emission ferries for operators around the world and what sets our approach apart is our technology-agnostic process to delivering bespoke designs. We’re looking forward to partnering with the team at Catalina Express to deliver an efficient, safe and world-class renewable diesel passenger vessel that will set the standard for other operators around the world looking to decarbonise.”
Image: New Catalina Express low-emission ferry (source: Incat Crowther)
