GHG Emissions, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  October 25, 2024

NYC Ferry Starts Testing Renewable Diesel

The Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry will begin testing the use of renewable diesel fuel, a petroleum-free alternative to traditional diesel fuel. 

The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYC Ferry will launch a six-month pilot program of renewable diesel fuels on select vessels. Following a successful pilot, the goal will be to transition the entire fleet to renewable diesel in 2025. 

In addition, NYCEDC and NYC Ferry will begin the process of upgrading 13 350-passenger vessels, the system's largest vessels, to meet the EPA's most stringent Tier IV emission standards. 

These immediate upgrades is part of a broader sustainability strategy that will aim to transition the NYC Ferry fleet toward zero-and reduced-emissions vessels. As part of this strategy, NYCEDC will begin a study focusing on both the vessels themselves and changes to shoreside infrastructure necessary to support their operation.

Renewable diesel lowers carbon emissions by 60% or more, and its use in the ferries will help nearly 30 million annual riders navigate the city's waterways in a more sustainable way. 

NYC Ferry will also launch a short-term plan to upgrade engines on its largest vessels to reduce emissions and other pollutants. 

"As New Yorkers, we understand the urgent need to combat climate change, and today's announcement is another critical step forward in that fight. In utilizing renewable diesel for our ferry fleets, we are demonstrating our commitment to reducing harmful emissions and reaffirming our commitment to making every corner — and current — of our city healthier and more sustainable," said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer in a statement. 

NYC DOT is now testing the use of renewable diesel on the Marchi Staten Island Ferry boat. The renewable fuel serves as a direct replacement to ultra low sulfur diesel currently used in the ferry fleet.

The agency plans to expand renewable diesel to the full Staten Island Ferry fleet in 2025. With an estimated 60% reduction in the Staten Island Ferry's CO2 emissions, this change in fuel will help the ferry system achieve a 50% reduction in these emissions by 2030.