Over at Waterlog, Aquatic Correspondent Jeff Davis brings this update on plans to introduce two solar-powered, 600-passenger ferries to the waters of the San Francisco Bay in 2008. Cap'n Jeff writes:
The big dustup on the San Francisco waterfront over the National Park Service's hiring a new contractor for Alcatraz ferry service continues to cloud the real story—that SF will soon be home to one of the most innovative, clean-tech passenger vessels in the world. And if the net cost is 50 or so lost jobs from the previous contractor with a unionized crew, Blue and Gold, so be it. It's more important to start mothballing the old dirty diesels on the water, and setting a new example for cleaner transport, than it is to haul out lefty politicos to simply guard a few dozen workers' jobs.
We couldn't agree more.
The new ferries, which are being built by Australia's Solar Sailor Holdings Ltd. use a hybrid system built around a combination of diesel generators, solar-electric battery power, and wind energy. As Solar Sailor explains:
"The vessels will be fitted with a large, rigid wing covered in solar panels that will capture sun and wind power. When conditions are right, the vessels will be able to sail back and forth. In extreme weather, the sail will automatically fold down flat above the deck like a roof. Much like a hybrid car, large batteries on board the vessels will store electricity generated by the diesel generators and collected by solar panels. The electricity then powers the electric motors."
Enemies of progress notwithstanding, the new ferries will eventually be used to shuttle 1 million tourists a year between San Francisco and Alcatraz Island.
(Photo above, Solar Sailor ferry, by Solar Sailor)
Wow thats some pretty amazing technology there and it doesnt look to bad either. Very futuristic, like something out of a film! Im all up for using green enegy production. It think this will be really worth while
Posted by: ferry ticket | 25 February 2008 at 08:24 AM