Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2022

8 3 larger engines and engine rooms to obtain the power necessary to achieve the high speeds of previous models. For example, the Tier Three engines Fire Island Ferries installed on Isle of Fire need to operate at higher revolutions per minute to achieve the same speed as previous engines. Though the emissions are lower, the vessel is burning approximately 15-20 gph more for every roundtrip. So, it becomes a difficult balancing act of finding the optimal cruising speed versus fuel burn versus the vessel’s scheduled trip times, all while remaining conscious of emissions. The drive for zero emissions and implementing alternative fuels will prompt operational changes that could negatively impact the bottom line. High-speed ferries must provide fast and convenient services, so operators have to decide between saving money by reducing speed and thereby extending travel time, or accepting these budgetary increases and passing the additional cost to customers. Both options could negatively affect the public’s view of the company. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers will launch the UK’s first hybrid high-speed passenger ferry in London in autumn 2022 as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions with all newbuilds by 2025 “ We must strike the correct balance between green alternative technology and standard diesel options” Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

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