The first hybrid-electric public ferry in New York is now taking passengers to and from Governors Island. On Tuesday, the Trust for Governors Island debuted the Harbor Charger, a $33 million vessel equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that will cut carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 600 tons annually, as 6sqft previously reported. The ferry, the first of its kind in the state, can travel up to 66 percent faster than current diesel-powered vessels, offering visitors a quicker and more sustainable trip to the island.
“The Harbor Charger joining our fleet of passenger ferries is a momentous day for the Trust and for the thousands of visitors who enjoy what Governors Island has to offer every single day,” Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, said.
“We are excited to provide a cleaner, greener mode of transportation to the Island for the nearly one million individuals that travel here each year. The Harbor Charger will carry passengers smoothly across the harbor, welcoming repeat visitors and first timers from around the world.”
The Harbor Charger got its name through a citywide competition that drew more than 800 submissions from all five boroughs, with Brooklyn resident David Kurnov submitting the winning entry.
Built at the Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana, the ferry traveled up the Eastern Seaboard over the course of two weeks this spring. The vessel can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles for deliveries and services, and has a cruising speed of 10–12 knots.
The ferry, designed by Elliot Bay Design Group, was built with over 465 tons of steel—about the same as 11 subway cars. Its maneuvering system uses “Schottel azimuthing thrusters” with 360-degree steering. Modern amenities include a lower-level ADA-accessible lounge and restrooms on each deck.
It is equipped with Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive Eco diesel-electric propulsion system, the BlueVault advanced battery-based solution, and EcoMAIN, a technology platform that allows operators to continuously monitor the vessel’s systems. The hybrid system reduces air pollution by operating in three modes: zero-emission battery-only power, battery-assisted hybrid with diesel backup, and fully diesel-powered when needed.
The battery-assisted hybrid mode will cut carbon emissions by nearly 600 tons annually, helping the Trust move toward its net-zero emissions goals. Once shoreside rapid charging infrastructure—currently in the design phase—is in place, the vessel is expected to reduce emissions by an additional 800 tons each year and operate fully on electric power.
The Harbor Charger replaces the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1956 and in continuous use ever since. The Lt. Samuel S. Coursen will retire from service later this year.
With the support of Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Rep. Daniel Goldman, the Trust secured $7.5 million in federal infrastructure funding in December 2023 from the U.S. Federal Transit Administration to develop the shoreside infrastructure.
In March 2023, Mayor Eric Adams and the Trust unveiled the vessel, initially saying it would begin service in summer 2024.
The sustainable ferry reinforces Governors Island’s role as a hub for climate innovation, complementing the planned $700 million New York Climate Exchange. In February, the group unveiled renderings of the 400,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art research campus, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
“Twenty years ago, Governors Island opened to the public for the first time, creating a green, clean, sustainable space for New Yorkers to enjoy. Today, we are doubling down on that legacy with the launch of this first-of-its-kind electric ferry,” Adams said.
“From the hikers who will visit the Island’s trails to the scientists who will work at its world-class Climate Exchange, the Harbor Charger will carry New Yorkers and visitors alike into the future and deliver a safer, healthier city for all. Congratulations to the Trust and the crew on this maiden voyage!”
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