6 OCTOBER 2018 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: MARINE PROPULSION A s the passenger vessel industry continues its robust growth as a significant U.S. transportation source, particularly in the ferry segment, propulsion remains an important factor. Across the nation, reliability, environmental compliance, cost, durability, noise, and servicing are all major considerations for PVAVessel member operators looking for engines to power their ferries. West Coast The West Coast is historically a region that is focused on emissions and clear air due to past concerns of smog and air pollution attributed to engine emissions. San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is a regional public transit agency tasked with operating and expanding ferry service on the San Francisco Bay and with coordinating water transit response to regional emergencies. Under the banner of the San Francisco Bay Ferry brand, WETA serves Alameda, Oakland, San Francisco, South San Francisco and Vallejo. Carrying over 2.7 million passengers annually, San Francisco Bay Ferry has experienced a 94 percent increase in ridership since 2012. To accommodate for this dramatic increase, the agency has developed a 20-year strategic expansion plan with a goal to achieve 15- or-30-minute peak frequency. Part of the plan includes introducing new vessels to its fleet. In the North Bay, San Francisco Bay Ferry will introduce three new builds powered by MTU Series 4000 engines, the first EPA Tier 4 certified engines in the U.S. San Francisco Bay Ferry will also expand its Central Bay fleet by adding four new ferries, electing to exceed its regional EPA Tier 3 emissions require- ment. These new builds meet Tier 4 with custom power packages featuring MTU 12V 4000 M64 engines combined with an SCR system provided by MTU distributor Pacific Power Group. The first two ferries will be rated at 1,950 hp at 1,800 rpm and the second two will be rated 1,875 hp at 1,800 rpm. One of the Central Bay new American Ferries Ride Wave of Advanced Marine Engines By Jeff Sherman, MTU WETA’s Hydrus meets Tier 4 with custom power packages featuring MTU 12V 4000 M64 engines and an advanced exhaust aftertreatment to amplify efficiency. Seastreak Commodore, operating between New Jersey and Manhattan is powered by four EPATier 3 MTU 12V 4000 M64 engines rated at 1,875 hp at 1,800 rpm and Rolls-Royce water jets.