Navigating New York City & Waterways to Become Cleaner and Greener As
NYC Newswire
Navigating New York City's Waterways to Become Cleaner and Greener As Staten Island Ferries and NYC Ferry Begin Testing Renewable Diesel
In a major push toward reducing the city's carbon footprint, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), along with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), announced that both the Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry will begin testing renewable diesel, a petroleum-free fuel alternative. This shift is expected to cut emissions by over 60%, benefiting the nearly 30 million annual passengers who rely on the city’s ferry systems.
"By utilizing renewable diesel for our ferry fleets, we’re showing our commitment to reducing harmful emissions and reaffirming our dedication to making every corner—and current—of our city more sustainable," said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. "Whether through innovative technologies or bold investments in green infrastructure, we are building a greener New York City."
Staten Island Ferry Leads the Transition
NYC DOT has already begun testing renewable diesel on the Marchi Staten Island Ferry, with plans to roll out the fuel across the entire fleet by 2025. As the busiest municipal ferry service in the U.S., serving 24 million passengers annually, this transition is a critical step toward achieving a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030.
"The Staten Island Ferry is a key part of our transit infrastructure, and we are thrilled to reduce its carbon footprint," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "The transportation sector accounts for nearly 28% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions, so cutting our dependence on fossil fuels is essential."
NYC Ferry Follows with Pilot Program
NYCEDC announced a six-month pilot program to test renewable diesel on NYC Ferry vessels. This will coincide with upgrades to the engines of 13 of its largest vessels to meet stricter EPA standards, reducing pollutants by up to 65%.
"New Yorkers love their ferries, and today we’re making a big step forward in delivering a greener and more sustainable harbor," said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball.
The city aims to fully transition NYC Ferry’s fleet to renewable diesel by 2025.
Broader Impact on City Fleet
This initiative builds on NYC’s successful transition of 12,500 heavy-duty municipal vehicles to renewable diesel, making it the first major East Coast city to adopt the fuel on such a scale. "Expanding renewable diesel to the Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferries marks a significant step in making our fleet more environmentally friendly for all New Yorkers," said DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina.
The use of renewable diesel is part of a broader effort to reduce transportation-related emissions and establish NYC as a global leader in clean transit technologies.
