SUSTAINABLE HEAVY-DUTY INITIATIVES FOR FUTURE TECHNOLOGY

Project

Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Electrification Project

Angel Island Tiburon Ferry (AITF) operates three commercial vessels serving routes between the Town of Tiburon and Angel Island State Park. The Angel Island and Bonita vessels are short-run ferries providing regular transit, while the Tamalpais is an excursion vessel offering private events, dinner, and sunset cruises. The AITF Electrification Project includes four key components:
  • Converting the Bonita Ferry from diesel to zero-emission electric propulsion, potentially featuring a test-sized wing sail to enhance efficiency.
  • Converting the Angel Island Ferry from diesel to two electric motors, semi-solid state batteries, and an EPA Tier IV + DPF emergency generator.
  • Replacing the diesel-powered Tamalpais with the Watts Up, featuring electric motors and energy storage technologies designed to support cleaner harbor operations.
  • Installing shoreside charging infrastructure, including a solar array and electrical and dock upgrades to support the new electric vessels.

Expected Benefits:

The anticipated benefits of this project include reducing emissions, improving air quality, and advancing sustainable ferry service in the region. Specifically, the project will:
  • Demonstrate the viability of electrifying ferry and excursion vessels, including collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard for vessel approval.
  • Eliminate air pollution from the diesel engines of the ferries, benefiting neighboring communities.
  • Reduce noise pollution, enhancing the passenger and community experience.
  • Minimize or eliminate water pollution risks from accidental fuel spills.
Benefits include:
  • Reduction of 6,646 metric tons of CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent).
  • Reduction of 4,652 pounds of NOx (nitrogen oxides).
  • Reduction of 22 pounds of DPM (diesel particulate matter).
  • Reduction of 21 pounds of PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤2.5 microns).
  • Reduction of 200 pounds of ROG (reactive organic gases).

Outreach/Workforce Components:

Extensive outreach program planned/Marine electrification apprenticeship

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

  • Bonita Ferry conversion
  • Angel Island Ferry conversion
  • Watts Up Excursion Vessel new build
  • Dock upgrade
  • Electrical upgrades, solar array, and charging system

Lessons Learned:

Not applicable at this time.

Status Updates:

  • Watts Up design is complete; soliciting cost estimates and schedules from boat yards
  • Installation of dock electrical infrastructure is underway

Technology:

Tags:

Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

Project Facts​

  • DATES: October 2024 – June 2027
  • GRANTEE: Town of Tiburon
  • PARTNERS: Angel Island Tiburon Ferry, Moe Engineering, Geary Construction, EV Maritime LTD, Twin Disc, Palmer Johnson
  • LOCATION: Tiburon, CA
  • GRANT NO.: G22-ATDP-13

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $24,049,552
  • Matching Funds: $8,183,852
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $32,233,404

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