b'Z ero emissions is a hot topic these days, and for good reason. AsAn electric-hybrid vessel can global greenhouse gases continue to rise, the pressure is on for the entire transportation industry to curb harmful emissions withautomatically turn off the diesel clean technology.engine and operate in full electric For the maritime industry, this change is already underway, as vesselmode when entering ports, operators look to green power and propulsion technology to clean up our waterways and ports. It is now common for operators to considerharbors, or any user-defined area.these capabilities when starting construction on a new vessel due to the wide range of benefits. Electric propulsion does more than help the en-vironment, giving captains a smooth operation and passengers a quiet, clean experience.market. The latest technology will leverage decades of experience and expertise to anticipate the growing needs of heavy-duty marine applica-Now that owners are consciously weighing these capabilities from thetions that require integrated, electrified solutions. start, what is next for electric propulsion? The answer is simple. Literal-ly, simplifying the solution, using configurable hardware that is flexibleThe newest offerings present flexible solutionsimproving electrical ef-enough for multiple platforms and small enough to save space while stillficiency and vessel range, increasing propulsion power, and simplifying positioning for future growth. This centralized approach will help own- installation. Using slice technology with a modular, compact design, the ers and operators chart a simplified technology course to zero emissions. hardware can fit into smaller passenger vessels like water taxis, and is scal-able for large applications such as vehicle ferries. For shipyards and oper-THE NEXT WAVE: SMALLER, LIGHTER, AND GREENER ators, the tailor-made approach means each vessel will get a configured The pandemic hampered the maritime industry, but with that offeredsolution without paying for excess capabilities. This all aids in the cus-a period of evolution and growth. It accelerated our thinking about thetomer experience for passenger vessels, creating vibration-free and emis-way we look at vessels and their effects on the environment. Now moresion-free operation for everything from dinner cruises to harbor tours.than ever, health and safety are a top priority for operators and passen-gers, driving industry leaders to emphasize the importance of electricThe technology uses smaller and lighter components, which means in-propulsion as a path towards zero emissions. It also helps the bottomcreasing the efficiency of the vessel for extended zero emissions range. line by reducing fuel expenses and maintenance costs.A smaller system easily fits into compact engine rooms, has less weight, and with more space, so there is the potential to install more batteries on the vessel. Furthermore, the modular system is expandable to handle What is next for electricadditional energy storage capabilities in the future.propulsion? Simplifying theALWAYS LOOKING FORWARDReducing operator workload is important as propulsion technology solution, using configurableadvances and owners of heavy-duty vessels seek integrated solutions. A centralized system offers an easy transition for operators who may be hardware that is flexible enoughmoving into electrification for the first time. A modular design is easily expandable without the need for system redesign, meaning an opera-for multiple platforms and smalltor can invest once and know they can adapt to any future operational needs. This simplified approach also includes the displays, where the enough to save space while stillhelm station looks similar to a conventional vessel. Operator training positioning for future growth.also becomes simplified as the systems are automatedselecting the most efficient power source, minimizing fuel burn, and maximizing en-gine off-time by using battery power whenever possible.Fortunately, we are not starting from scratch. Many companies haveAs more cities and ports make commitments to a greener future, it is been working to reduce emissions for years with electric power and pro- essential that the vessels transiting these harbors are aligned with that pulsion systems. One example is PVA member company BAE Systemsvision. The latest propulsion technology will continue to free up the HybriGen system, which comes in multiple configurations. This sys- operator through GPS-enabled battery electric operation in zero emis-tem currently powers passenger vessels such as PVA member ships En- sion zones. Using geo-fencing technology, an electric-hybrid vessel can hydra, the largest electric hybrid passenger vessel in San Francisco andautomatically turn off the diesel engine and operate in full electric mode the Waterman, Kitsap Transits hybrid passenger ferry, as well as the Seawhen entering ports, harbors, or any user-defined area. These green Change, Americas first hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel. The most ef- zones help take the accountability off the operator, and allow the boat PHOTO COURTESY OF BAE SYSTEMSfective solutions can work with a variety of partners to deliver multipleto become more environmentally dependable. propulsion configurations to support battery electric, electric-hybrid, and fuel cell electric powered vessels. THE TOTAL PACKAGEOf course, moving towards electric propulsion calls for more than hard-As demand increases for alternative propulsion, companies look to de- ware. It helps if the entire process and new technologyintegration, velop the next-generation electric propulsion systems for the marineinstallation, and supportis straightforward for the end user. A fully Left: the Waterman, is a hybrid-electric vessel in Kitsap Transits fleet. 13 MAY 2022'