b'FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSIONWhats New in Marine Propulsion?Washington State Ferries and VigorMark Launch of the States New Hybrid-Electric Ferry Build ProgramPVA Vessel member Washington State Ferries (WSF)Washington State dignitaries officially the launch of publicly ushered in the beginning of its next class ofWSF hybrid electric ferry program. Photo: Vigor.net.ferries at PVA Associate member Vigors Seattle shipyard in a ceremony on September 9. After much anticipation, the new hybrid diesel- a Washington Maritime Blue visit to electric ferries will soon launch a new era in greener marine transportation. Norway to confer with experts on best Dignitaries from the state of Washington joined Governor Jay Inslee,practices and available technologies for Washington State Ferries offi cials and Vigor employees gathered at Vigors Seattlelow carbon ferry systems. Washington shipyard, which is also a PVA member, to celebrate the beginning of the greeningMaritime Blue is committed to the de-of WSFs fl eet. Speakers included Governor Inslee, Roger Millar, Secretary ofvelopment of the maritime industry Transportation for Washington State Department of Transportation, and Vigorin a way that promotes a sustainable CEO Frank Foti. The ceremony concluded with a dedication of a sign marking thefuture. Exchanging knowledge is the construction site of the program.way to move the industry forward. This Earlier in the year, Washingtons legislature authorized a contract extensioninternational collaboration resulted for Vigor to build up to fi ve 144-car Olympic class, hybrid-electric ferries over thein Vigor and WSF visiting Norway as coming years for WSF, the nations largest ferry system.Greening its fl eet haspart of a second Washington Maritime been a major objective for WSF and is an important part of Washingtons over- Blue delegation in September. Other arching goal under Governor Inslees leadership to accelerate the states move todelegates included public officials, a clean energy future. policy makers, research scientists and Vigor has built the last twelve ferries in the WSF fl eet and has been activelyindustry partners. engaged in the evolution of hybrid-electric solutions. In addition to other research,The Olympic class hull form is one in June 2018, Vigor team members joined a delegation of maritime leaders onof the most efficient in the fleet with less drag through the water and a small wake for a positive environmental impact. The new hybrid vessels will utilize this hull form as well. They will be capable of 100% electric operation on most routes once the infrastruc-ture needed for charging is installed. Over the life of the vessels, a 94 percent reduction in carbon emissions is antici-pated along with the added benefi t of significantly reduced operating costs EASY MANEUVERABILITY for the ferry system.The design and engineering phase Give your passengers a smooth ride with reliableto convert the existing Olympic Class John Deere PowerTech propulsion and generatordesign to hybrid-electric is currently drive engines. With high torque and low-ratedunderway. Vigor expects to begin con-rpm, they deliver excellent vessel control and quiet operation. For easy navigation on the water 60 to 559 kW (80 to 750 hp) struction in late 2020, and delivery Nothing Runs Like A Deere. of the first ferry is anticipated late in 2022. Washington State Ferries Long Range Plan calls for all five ferries to JohnDeere.com/Marine be delivered by 2028, replacing aging vessels in the fl eet. 12 OCTOBER 2019FOGHORN'