Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
Mon Dec 27, 2021, 09:20 AM Dec 2021

Canada's First All-electric, Zero-emissions Ferry Enters Service

A newly retrofitted electric ferry is the first in Canada to enter service powered by a zero-emissions, lithium-ion power and propulsion system containing no diesel fuel components.

PortsToronto’s 96-foot Marilyn Bell I, used for transporting passengers, vehicles and supplies the short distance to and from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on Toronto Island, returned to operations last week following a 20-week conversion, and is now sailing 100% emissions free.

St. Catharines-based marine electrical engineering firm Canal Marine & Industrial Inc. (CANAL) delivered the complete electrification retrofit of the formerly diesel ferry, from conception to installation. The project's naval architect is Quebec-based Concept Naval, and PortsToronto also engaged Nova Scotia-based E.Y.E marine consultants to assist with the implementation of the project.

Originally built by Hike Metal Products in Wheatley, Ont., and in operation since 2010, Marilyn Bell I was previously upgraded to run on biodiesel fuel in 2018 before its diesel generators and engines were removed in 2021 to make way for a new electric power and propulsion system and a suite of lithium-ion batteries. Now fueled by 100% Bullfrog Power renewable sourced energy, the ferry emits zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reducing the airport's direct GHG emissions by 530 tonnes per year, according to PortsToronto.

https://www.marinelink.com/news/canadas-first-allelectric-zeroemissions-492992

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Canada's First All-electric, Zero-emissions Ferry Enters Service (Original Post) Sherman A1 Dec 2021 OP
Wonderful inventive way to save the planet. jimfields33 Dec 2021 #1
The problem is GHG emissions from air travel itself - not the ferry. Hiawatha Pete Jan 2022 #2

Hiawatha Pete

(1,806 posts)
2. The problem is GHG emissions from air travel itself - not the ferry.
Sat Jan 1, 2022, 12:34 PM
Jan 2022

"The total carbon impact of a single flight is so high that avoiding just one trip can be equivalent to going (gasoline) car-free for a year"
https://davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/air-travel-climate-change/

Billy Bishop is a regional airport, meaning short distance flights - one of the most polluting modes of travel.

Not only that, short distance flights are not even very time competitive with more fuel efficient modes like rail (or even a bus) when you consider time required at the airports (and transportation to & from).

The idea of an electric ferry is a good one. At Billy Bishop airport however it is just window dressing.

Any real climate change plan includes passenger rail.

Fortunately, our Canadian Federal Government is listening:

VIA Rail Welcomes New Siemens Trainsets
https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/intercity/via-rail-welcomes-new-siemens-trainset/

Federal government moving forward on electrified 200km/h High Frequency Rail
https://www.transportaction.ca/national-news/federal-government-moving-forward-on-high-frequency-rail/

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Canada»Canada's First All-electr...