PRESS RELEASEMOOSE SEES FAMILY, FAMILY SEES MOOSE Enviros, politicos, and techies talk ferries in San Francisco Contacts:
Web content: www.well.com/user/pk/waterfront/FerrySchmooze/ Photos
"There's no charge - it's worth more for my moose to see your family than for your family to see
my moose." So says the punch line from an old Down-East joke, and it became the "vision" of
the first "Ferry Schmooze" following the World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) and
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) annual meeting. Organized by the
Maritime Economics Panel (O-36) of SNAME in conjunction with the San Francisco Water
Transit Authority, the October 21 "schmooze" format was a round-table workshop conference
designed to give various players an opportunity to bring divergent perspectives together in an
informal environment. Discussions following the formal presentations were moderated by local
naval architect Ryan Young, one of the Schmooze organizers.
The program was kicked off by Chris Barry, representing Panel O-36, who, after noting his
resemblance to a walrus, spoke of many things, presenting a general overview of ferry issues
including speed, hull form, propulsion, size and regulations. He explained that key regulations
defining the size of the vessel for regulatory purposes will be radically changed soon. This will
change vessel design and construction, and may make ferries less expensive to build and operate.
He also noted that modern computer based ship construction techniques could allow profitable
construction of ferries in the Bay Area, which could provide several hundred local jobs.
Manish Gupta and Drew Eisele of CDI Marine discussed software techniques for rapid
optimization of ferry design. This software is able to instantly evaluate the effect of changing
vessel characteristics such as required speed, passenger space, pollution control equipment or
many other constraints on the first cost and operating cost of a ferry. This process in turn will
allow optimization of the system design as a whole, considering the effect of vessel requirements
on the overall system.
James Sweeney, of Seaworthy Systems, described a fuel cell powered water taxi. Not only does
the boat use fuel cells to charge its electric drive system, but used an innovative method for
storing the hydrogen to run the fuel cell in a safe, room temperature water solution: Sodium
hydroborate dissolved in water gives off hydrogen when catalyzed, and used solution is stored
aboard for return to the fueling station, rehydrogenation and subsequent reuse. The boat was
demonstrated the day before, carrying numerous WMTC attendees along the waterfront. At only
30 feet in length, this vessel is believed to be the world's largest operational passenger-carrying
fuel cell powered vessel.
Charles Walther, of Walther Engineering, discussed numerous issues involving his experiences
supporting design and construction of the new Peralta class ferries for the city of Alameda. He
discussed many practical issues including engine and shafting, aluminum quality, and a rudder
design change which reduced required power by several hundred horsepower while also
eliminating cavitation and corrosion damage.
Teri Shore of Bluewater Network presented an overview of pollution comparisons between
ferries and alternative modes of transportation in New York, noting that ferries will need to use
the best available technology to match other clean modes. Most participants gave the discussion
following Teri's report the highest marks for interdisciplinary value: Advocates were impressed
by how difficult it will be to achieve emissions numbers that satisfy the environmental
community, and environmentalists were exposed to a good discussion of some of the technical
factors that control these numbers.
Paul Kamen, Berkeley Waterfront Commissioner and naval architect, finished the presentations,
covering political obstacles to ferry service and an alternative approach to vessel design, fare
structure and passenger amenities that address some of these issues. He emphasized the
importance of short routes and appropriate speeds to minimize emissions, and siting terminals
near existing infrastructure (deep water, parking, bus routes) to minimize negative environmental
impacts. He also noted that a ferry design with sufficient deck space could carry bicycles and
dogs and thereby gain the support of key Berkeley political constituencies.
Other participant included former Albany mayor and councilmember Allan Maris (also a naval
architect) and Jeri Holan (an architect of the non-naval variety) representing the Berkeley/Albany
Ferry Committee. Other political activists and marine professionals provided a range of
experience and divergent views to the discussions following each presentations. Despite the
alternative vision statement, "WMTC Ferry Smackdown," no blood was shed and the group was
able to exchange methods, tools and technologies to better understand the choices involved in a
clean, cost effective ferry system. Much of the formal presentation material is available
at http://www.well.com/user/pk/waterfront/FerrySchmooze/.
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