Staten Island Ferry to Run on LNG in Pilot Program

 

In an effort to reduce fuel costs, New York City will modify one of the vessels in its Staten Island Ferry fleet to see how it runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

According to the Wall Street Journal, NYC Transportation Department officials say they could probably save $3 million per year, per boat by switching to natural gas from diesel fuel.

The city estimates that a shift to LNG could also cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 25 percent.

The federal government reportedly put up a little over $2.3 million to cover the $3 million cost of converting one of the city's Austen Class ferries.

The first ferry will initially run on a pilot program.