Plans to make San Diego a national leader in modern maritime transit took a key step forward this month when the company that runs the San Diego-Coronado Ferry began soliciting bids for new electric boats.<\/p>\n
The company, Flagship Cruises & Events, plans to spend $21 million replacing two diesel-powered boats with electric ferries that will reduce pollution on San Diego Bay and nearby neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Shipbuilders have until Jan. 9 to submit bids to build the new vessels. Flagship officials say they plan to select a builder in early February.<\/p>\n
The boats will take over for two long-running vessels \u2014 the Cabrillo and the Silvergate \u2014 and operate two existing ferry routes, one from Coronado to Broadway Pier and another from Coronado to the convention center.<\/p>\n
In addition to reducing emissions to zero and ending decades of the boats spewing harmful particulate matter into the air, the switch will eliminate fumes and make the boats quieter.<\/p>\n
Flagship has estimated the new boats will be ready to take over in fall 2026.<\/p>\n
Flagship got a $15.3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board to cover the lion\u2019s share of the cost. Flagship will cover the other $5.5 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cBringing in a shipyard to construct the first purpose-built ferries of their kind \u2014 with capacity for 275 passengers \u2014 marks a major step forward in advancing sustainable transportation on the waterfront,\u201d said Flagship president Brad Engel.<\/p>\n
The company is partnering with Aurora Marine Design on the project.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a shipyard to help deliver the next chapter in American ferry design,\u201d said Aurora president Shaun Green.<\/p>\n
The new ferries will include space for bicycles and strollers and be equipped with shoreside charging infrastructure. Flagship plans to help train 50 local workers in clean maritime technologies.<\/p>\n
The new ferries are expected to reduce pollution in nearby neighborhoods, including long-polluted lower-income areas such as Barrio Logan and National City.<\/p>\n