The Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry will soon begin testing renewable diesel fuel as a greener alternative to traditional diesel. This initiative aims to cut carbon emissions by 60% or more, offering nearly 30 million annual riders a cleaner way to navigate the city’s waterways.
The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is currently conducting tests on renewable diesel with the Marchi Staten Island Ferry. This fuel will replace the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel currently used in the fleet. Plans are underway to switch the entire Staten Island Ferry fleet to renewable diesel by 2025, marking a significant step toward a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030.
The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest municipal ferry service in the United States, carrying about 45,000 passengers daily, which totals nearly 24 million riders each year. Operating 24/7 between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan, the ferry is responsible for 15% of the city’s transportation emissions. Fuel use accounts for 94% of its greenhouse gas emissions.
“The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest municipal ferry service in the country, and we are excited to reduce its carbon footprint by using a petroleum-free alternative to traditional diesel fuel,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “The transportation sector contributes nearly 28 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in our city. This means it can play a crucial role in finding solutions. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is an essential step toward a greener and healthier New York City.”
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) will launch a six-month pilot program to test renewable diesel on selected vessels. If the pilot is successful, the entire fleet is expected to transition to renewable diesel by 2025. Additionally, NYCEDC and NYC Ferry will upgrade 13 of their largest vessels to meet the EPA’s strict Tier IV emission standards, aiming to cut pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by up to 65%.
“New Yorkers love their ferries, and today we are making a significant step toward a greener and more sustainable harbor,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “As we continue to see record ridership at NYC Ferry, it’s crucial that we take immediate action to reduce emissions from our vessels. We must also think strategically about how to create a more sustainable system overall.”
These upgrades are part of a larger sustainability strategy focused on moving the NYC Ferry fleet toward zero-emission vessels. NYCEDC will conduct a study to evaluate both the vessels and necessary improvements to shoreside infrastructure, with results expected by late 2025. This study aims to improve operational efficiency and attract grant funding.
The NYC Ferry system serves over 7 million riders annually and covers six routes and 25 landings across the five boroughs. With 38 vessels, it is the largest passenger-only fleet in the nation and has shown resilience and rapid recovery in ridership since the pandemic. This initiative follows the successful ‘NYC Ferry Forward’ program, which has increased ridership and decreased the per-passenger subsidy by over 30%.
“As New Yorkers, we recognize the urgent need to address climate change, and today’s announcement is a vital step in that effort. By using renewable diesel for our ferry fleets, we demonstrate our commitment to cutting harmful emissions and improving the health and sustainability of every part of our city,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “Through innovative technologies and bold investments in green infrastructure, we are working to build a cleaner, greener New York City for all residents—one that prioritizes the environment, enhances quality of life, and sets a global example.”
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