JULY 2018 • FOGHORN 33 PVA GREEN WATERS NEWS midpoint of their lives, and we are de- veloping a plan to take them in as part of their regular overhaul and convert them to hybrid boats.” The EBDG study concluded that, “given the late 1990’s emissions standards that the Jumbo Mark II diesel engines were required to meet, the emissions savings is likely even greater in regard to NOx, SOx, and diesel par- ticulate matter. This project would have enormous impact in meeting the 2020 emissions targets.” Furthermore, the study found that “with the current modernization effort, this project is conveniently timed. Such a modernization could involve a sig- nificant level of cost savings for the hy- bridization effort if done concurrently.” After carefully reviewing all options, “all electric is the best option,” Waterhouse said. The Governor concurs. In an official communication on the his website, Inslee’s office wrote, “Once the conversion is complete, that hybrid-electric ferry would run on electric power most of the time, using the remaining diesel engines only in rare circumstances.” In its conclusion, EBDG said, “Washington State is in a unique position given its relatively inexpensive We NY, too! We NY, too! and stable price of electricity [hydro- electricity]. By all accounts, the cost of lithium-ion battery prices is falling rapidly. While it appears that the price of oil is rising out of a record downturn, the diesel fuel required by the WSF fleet is a very unpredictable and unreliably priced commodity. Hybridization of the Jumbo Mark IIs has the potential to accomplish WSF’s role of providing safe, affordable, and environmental- ly friendly transportation across the waters of Puget Sound in a revolution- ary new way.” The cost savings to the state are expected to be as much $14 million, an amount that Governor Inslee and Transportation Secretary Millar believe most Washington taxpayers will appre- ciate in addition to the cleaner, quieter ferries that passengers and marine animals alike will enjoy. n One of the Tacoma’s diesel engines.The ferry has four diesel engines, two of which would be re- placed as part of a project to convert the ferry into a hybrid-electric boat. Office of the Governor photo.