By Stas Margaronis

A new zero-emission fuel cell driven electric ferry is proposed for San Francisco Bay!

Thanks to the Red and White Fleet, Propeller Club of Northern California members will be hearing about this exciting new marine technology project at the PCNC luncheon on Thursday, November 17^th at Scott’s Seafood, Oakland.

The two speakers will be: Red and White Fleet CEO, Tom Escher and Joe Pratt, Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories:

Thomas C. Escher serves as the President, CEO and Chairman of the Red and White Fleet. The company was founded by Tom’s grandfather, Thomas Crowley in 1892, making Red and White Fleet the oldest continuing Bay cruise and sightseeing company on San Francisco Bay.  Tom began his maritime career as a sweeper, and has lived and worked in Asia and Europe. In 1997, Tom purchased 100{db7208756332b64820e32452d4dd3c17f07306fba093109b40ee1a7501f8ad6f} of the Red and White Fleet from other family members. Currently, Tom is a Director of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District, the Port of San Francisco’s Maritime Commerce Advisory Committee, Fisherman’s and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel and the San Francisco National Maritime Park Association. He has served as a Trustee of Menlo College, Board member of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, Director/Treasurer of the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, was on the Market Street Railway Advisory Board and a Board member of the U.S. Travel Association – National Council of Attractions.

Dr. Joe Pratt is a Principal Member of the Technical Staff at the Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories in Livermore, California. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California-Irvine at the National Fuel Cell Research Center. He has been involved in hydrogen and fuel cell research for nearly 15 years, and at Sandia he conducts research, development, and deployment activities to enable successful transitioning of hydrogen and fuel cell technology to commercially-viable products. His projects involve applying hydrogen and fuel cells in aircraft, in ports, on maritime vessels, for generators, construction equipment, material handling equipment and portable devices.

Background: Last year, the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) asked Sandia to examine the feasibility of implementing a zero emission, high speed passenger ferry.  The now-concluded SF-BREEZE project examined the technical, regulatory, and economic aspects of such a ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells and its associated hydrogen fueling infrastructure for operating within the San Francisco Bay.  In conjunction with a naval architect, a realistic, feasible vessel design meeting all performance specifications was produced. Collaboration with and evaluation by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping validated the regulatory acceptance of the vessel. The supply of liquid hydrogen to the vessel was examined and viable sites were found. Industrial gas companies were consulted and provided technically viable fueling facility designs. The current design of the zero-emission Red and White Fleet ferry has a cost premium compared to a conventional diesel ferry. Cost reduction strategies specific to the vessel and leverage of those expected in the fuel cell electric vehicle market may result in future cost parity.  This presentation will provide an overview of these findings and opportunity for further discussion.

http://pashagroup.com/news/pasha-import-cars-through-san-francisco

One of the world’s most influential shipping journalists is bullish on the Port of Oakland. Journal of Commerce Senior Editor Bill Mongelluzzo said this month he’s impressed with opportunities opening up here. But he cautioned that the Port community must pull together to realize its promise. “I see blue skies ahead for Oakland,” Mr. Mongelluzzo told an audience of 100 at a Propeller Club of Northern California luncheon. “You have the ability here, and the infrastructure is being developed; but it’s all about productivity and consistency.” The internationally renowned expert drew on decades of experience in summarizing the Port’s prospects. He said Oakland will be one of few U.S. megaports capable of handling the world’s biggest ships. Oakland has tall cranes and deep-water berths, to accommodate megaships, he pointed out. “The megaships are on the way and they’re here to stay,” he said. A concern, Mr. Mongelluzzo said, is a past reputation for problematic labor relations. The perception can result in some cargo loss from Oakland, he said. He countered that by saying that Oakland’s rank and file dockworkers are the most productive on the West Coast. Each crane operator moves 30-to-40 containers on an off ships every hour, he said, far outpacing competitors. The editor projected 3-to-5 percent cargo volume growth for Oakland and other West Coast ports in coming years. He said Oakland work practices must change to meet the increase. “Monday-through-Friday, 8-to-5 operating hours can’t happen anymore,” he said. “It won’t do the job.” Mr. Mongelluzzo spent eight hours visiting Port of Oakland operations before he spoke. His observation: “I’m optimistic, especially after the tour. Everyone here is stepping up to the plate.”