14 OCTOBER 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSION W ith more than 100 tech companies setting up engi- neering centers in the Seattle area in recent years, the population of this seaport city is surging to unprecedented levels. Such dramatic growth fuels the need for more transpor- tation options for commuters. In a city where traffic conges- tion is making commutes longer and longer, community leaders, private companies, and residents are looking to the less congested waterways and realizing that ferries are a fast, reliable, and relaxing way to reach their destinations. Ferry Fever: Spirit of Kingston Keeps Water Taxi Services on the Move in Seattle By Carl Micu, John Deere Power Systems Fast Page Loads Streamlined Checkout Multiple Account Sign-Ons Improved Search Quick Order Easy Invoice Look-up Requisition Lists • Over 135,000 products for your business • 28 regional distribution centers • Same-day van delivery • 250+ stores • The most-knowledgeable and seasoned sales representatives in the industry Your 24/7 destination that’s packed with the features you need to get the most out of your time and money. westmarinepro.com All backed by the power of West Marine Pro. 1-800-621-6885 or visit westmarinepro.com. Increased Inventory Availability In fact, ridership is soaring. More than 600,000 people use a water taxi service annually, and that number is only expected to increase. To accommodate anticipated growth, Seattle has been updating docking facilities and its passenger ferries, including those owned and operated by PVAVessel member King County Water Taxi. Among the updates is the 149-passenger-only vessel, Spirit of Kingston, the marine division’s backup water taxi, which recently underwent a refit and repower with four new John Deere PowerTech™ 6135SFM85 marine propul- sion engines that meet the latest EPA Tier 3 requirements. PVA Associate member John Deere Power Systems is based in Waterloo, IA. “The John Deere engines are much more environmentally friendly,” writes Paul Brodeur, marine division director. “We anticipate exhaust emissions will be reduced by 22 percent and particulates by 45 percent with this improvement. Also, fuel consumption is projected to decrease by seven percent.” These environmental benefits tie into King County’s King County Water Taxi’s Spirit of Kingston is repowered with four John Deere PowerTech™ 6135SFM85 marine propulsion engines. Photo: John Deere Power Systems/King County Water Taxi. The wake of the Spirit of Kingston. Its new John Deere Power System engines meet the latest EPATier 3 requirements. Photo: John Deere Power Systems/ King County Water Taxi.