b'FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSIONDiesel Engines Continue to Offer Clean Propulsion OptionsBy Ezra Finkin, Diesel Technology ForumA cross the nation, millions of Americans are increas-ingly turning to water transport via water taxis and ferries for commuting and reducing miles traveled. From passenger-only transport, to vessels carrying vehicles and passengers, ferry-boats are providing an important new strategy for reducing urban congestion. According to the most recent data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 600 ferry boats operating in 36 states transported 119 million passengers in 2016.What enables these vessels to move masses of people and vehicles in a safe, reliable, efficient manner? Diesel is the technology of choiceKing County Water Taxis Spirit of Kingston engine.powering over 95 percent of all vessels. Boats manufactured or repowered since 2015 are equippedDefense Fund (EDF) finds that there with the newest generation of dieselare 1960s-1970s engines still in power that ensures that each tripactive revenue service today. In fact, is accomplished with near-zerothe oldest ferry boat in operation, the emission impacts. Adirondack in service in Vermont, is How is Diesel Clean? first hit Vermont waters in 1913Thanks to decades of innova- more than 100 years ago! Meticulous tion, the latest near-zero emissionsattention to vessel maintenance and a diesel technology is now availableseries of engine rebuilds during that in the very largest marine enginestime are a testament to the durability (5,000-10,000 hp). Using the latestof the technology.in emissions-reducing engine tech- Replacing older engines that nologies coupled with advanced, active emissions treatmentpower a single ferry with a new clean diesel model works systems like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), newout to the same emission reductions as replacing almost engines reduce emissions by almost 90 percent relative to100 older trucks, according to research commissioned by older engines. The tremendous advancements in dieselDTF and EDF. When clean diesel engines are used to power engine and emissions control technology arent limited toferries, they can have an enormous beneficial impact, new boats, but can also be incorporated into existing vessels. reducing emissions for both passengers and for the commu-Diesel is the technology of choice for water transportnities near where they serve.thanks in part to its durability and reliability, which meansFerry fleets are also turning to renewable, bio-based engines can deliver decades of efficient and reliable servicefuels, instead of traditional fossil fuels. Just look at the Red with proper maintenance and rebuilding. The opportu- and White Fleet, a sightseeing cruise company operating in nity for upgrading and replacing ferry boat engines isthe San Francisco Bay Area, that switched its entire fleet of gaining new attention. Recent research commissioned byvessels from operating on conventional diesel to using 100 the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) and the Environmentalpercent Neste MY Renewable Diesel.6 OCTOBER 2019FOGHORN'