Environmental Impact of Ferry Systems

This panel is the ninth in the series of ad hoc panels established under the aegis of the T&R Steering Committeee. Its purpose is to provide engineering and economic expertise in order to ensure that the twin goals of environmental protection and efficient public transit are met in existing and proposed new ferry systems.

Ferry transit, particulary by high speed vessels, is increasingly viewed as a highly attractive and economic alternative to the existing dilemmas of highway congestion and inner city street gridlock. New passenger and cargo ferry systems are being promoted in many areas of the United States and abroad in order to address these problems. However, professional expertise must be applied in the selection of routes, siting of terminals, establishment of schedules and peak speeds, personnel training, and design of hull and propulsion systems in order to avoid adversely impacting the natural environment and harbor safety. Two areas of particular concern are the wash of high speed vessels and the exhaust emissions generated by the powerful engines which propel such vessels. Other noteworthy areas requiring attention are vessel terminal dredging requirements; landfill for terminal and public parking/intermodal connections; operating impact on marine/aquatic life, water quality, and shorelines; practical and economic propulsion and hull design alterrnatives; and the safety of small craft and recreational activities in the vicinity of high speed ferry routes.

The panel's first accomplishment was publication of the T&R survey report "Ferry Systems for the Twenty-First Century" in January of 2000. Two subsequent projects have been proposed based upon the findings of that report. The first deals with the need for in-situ emissions testing and comparisons of alternative transit options (modern automobile, bus and ferry) to establish viable statistics and thereby enable transit planning and resources to be directed in pursuit of maximum regional air quality improvements. The second proposes research to enable improved prediction and minimization of high speed vessel wash. Both of these proposals have been endorsed by the T&R Steering Committee and currently await approval of requests for additional funding.

Panel
Panel membership varies with the subjects being addressed and with active projects.

Contacts: Mr. James J. Sweeney, Chairman ad-hoc panel # 9 and Chairmain panel O-21, jsweeney@seaworthysys.com.