Hybrid Ferry build in Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - Mayor Bill Finch today celebrated the New York Hornblower Hybrid, a cutting-edge 600-passenger vessel being built at the Bridgeport Regional Maritime Complex shipyard on the eastside of Bridgeport harbor.

This new 168-foot vessel is a high-tech, hybrid-power ferry that utilizes a unique power management system which integrates multiple energy sources from solar panels, wind turbines, a hydrogen fuel cell, diesel engines, and shore side electric power to charge an array of 192 batteries that run the ferry's twin electric motors.

"This project proves that our BGreen 2020 Initiative is helping to spawn 'green' jobs and sustainable transportation vessels," said Mayor Finch. "Anytime you can build a rail car or ferryboat for mass transit it's good for the environment and for the economy. Hornblower's hybrid ferry is a great example of the growing importance of sustainability and alternative fuels in many industries and the bright future for 'green' jobs."

The sustainability theme extends well beyond just the propulsion system. The vessel makes "adaptive reuse" of a steel hull salvaged from a used casino boat and employs a multiplicity of energy saving features that rival the LEED standards for sustainable buildings.

The hybrid ferry is owned by Hornblower, a national maritime company which, in collaboration with Derecktor Shipyards, is fabricating the vessel for its own use to provide service to the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island in New York Harbor. Hornblower first experimented with hybrid technology several years ago when it built a smaller 64-foot vessel for cruises to Alcatraz Island on San Francisco Bay.

"Bridgeport has proven itself to be a great city for us to do business," exclaimed Cameron Clark, Hornblower's Director of Environmental Affairs and Special Projects, "We look forward to future opportunities to fabricate more vessels, as well as repair and maintain our fleet here." Hornblower has a crew of 20 skilled workers in place to complete the ferry.

The vessel was launched on Friday and will remain in Bridgeport for several more weeks to complete the fitting-out and sea trials. Hornblower will continue this work in partnership with the United States Coast Guard as they complete the certification process and begin service.

"This vessel is fruit born of our commitment to the marine industry" noted Donald Eversley, Bridgeport's Director of Planning & Economic Development. "We have several initiatives at work to continue to grow this vital sector. The shipyard is a major resource for both the city and the state and provided the opportunity for Hornblower to construct this incredible vessel." The BMRC is a 23-acre facility owned by the Bridgeport Port Authority, where Hornblower and Derecktor as well as other companies are active onsite.

Hornblower, operating as Hornblower Cruises & Events, HMS Global Maritime, and several other divisions and affiliates, runs the largest private vessel fleet in the U.S., based in San Francisco, New Albany, Indiana, and New York City.