Americas News
Vessel Upgrades Expected to Reduce Bunker Consumption by 40%
A U.S. ferry that operates between North Cape May, New Jersey and Lewes, Delaware, is expected to reduce its bunker consumption and associated emissions by approximately 40 percent following a five-month dry-docking and repowering effort.
MV Delaware is one of three vessels that operate the route.
"On behalf of the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), we would like to thank Congressman LoBiondo for his efforts to secure federal funding that is assisting us with our repowering project," said James Hogan, Vice-Chairman of the DRBA, owners and operators of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
"This first repowering effort was a huge undertaking, but the environmental and operational benefits will be well worth it."
The U.S. EPA granted funds of $970,000 to help facilitate the project, while the Federal Transit Administration has awarded a further $6 million grant to help repower and retrofit the remaining vessels in the fleet, MV New Jersey and MV Cape Henlopen.
A further $130,000 per year in savings per vessel are expected through a reduction in associated maintenance costs compared to the previous 40-year old engines.
