Incat Crowther announce they have been commissioned by Catalina Express, a leading Los Angeles-based ferry operator, to design a cutting-edge low-emission passenger ferry powered by renewable diesel. This vessel is a key component of the Port of Los Angeles’ $31 million LA Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) project, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Catalina Express was awarded a $15 million grant from CARB, matching its own $15 million investment, to support the development of this sustainable vessel. The LA MER initiative focuses on testing and evaluating emission-reduction technologies, aligning with the Port of Los Angeles’ broader mission to transition to a zero-emission port.
The new 48-metre (160 foot) passenger ferry will service the popular one-hour tourist route between Los Angeles’ Long Beach Port and Santa Catalina Island. Capable of transporting up to 516 passengers across three spacious decks at speeds of up to 37 knots, the new vessel will be powered by renewable diesel fuel (R-99) comprised of plant-based stocks. The new vessel will be propelled by four EPA Tier 4-compliant MTU 4000 series engines, each designed to be equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) once certified by the EPA, USCG, and CARB to meet CARB commercial harbour craft regulations.
The new vessel will replace three smaller Tier 2 and Tier 3 ferries with a combined six diesel engines, helping to reduce emissions while maintaining the same passenger capacity within the Catalina Express fleet.
In addition to offering a lower-emission transport option, the new vessel will also provide a world-class customer experience. Passenger comfort has been enhanced via a resiliently mounted superstructure which will reduce vibrations and noise transmitted from the hulls. The new vessel will offer spacious seating and amenities including two kiosks, a large protected luggage hold, space for 16 bicycles, café-style table seating, indoor and outdoor seating options and accessible toilets. The vessel has also been designed with active ride control comprising a pair of Naiad Active T-foil and interceptors to help reduce vessel motions.
The vessel’s main deck will seat 198 passengers, including space for four wheelchairs, in an air-conditioned cabin that boasts five bathrooms and a large kiosk. An internal staircase leads to the mid-deck which offers VIP seating for 142 passengers as well as another kiosk and two bathrooms. The mid-deck also provides aft outdoor seating for a further 39 passengers, two bathrooms and the vessel’s wheelhouse. External staircases from the mid-deck lead to a large, protected roof deck for 137 passengers.
Construction on the new vessel, which will take place at Marine Group Boat Works in San Diego, California, is planned to start in July 2025 with sea trials expected to occur in 2027.
“For over 43 years, Catalina Express has been environmentally conscious and has been able to meet or exceed federal and state regulations to help reduce emissions,” said Greg Bombard, President and CEO of Catalina Express.
“Catalina Express is grateful to CARB for this grant and the partnership with the Port of Los Angeles. Their support has allowed us to move forward on the construction of this new vessel to further the mission of environmental advancement and continuing to provide a valuable and affordable ferry service to Catalina Island for Island residents, visitors and local communities,” said Mr Bombard.
CARB Chair Liane Randolph said, “CARB is proud to support the development of the next generation of advanced marine vessels that will help protect the health of those living and working near ports. California is demonstrating what is possible and is leading the way in bringing cleaner marine vessel technology to the market.”
LA MER is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Incat Crowther North America Managing Director Grant Pecoraro said, “Incat Crowther is pleased to have been selected to design another groundbreaking and technologically advanced vessel for Catalina Express. We have an extensive track record of designing low and zero-emission ferries for operators around the world and what sets our approach apart is our technology-agnostic process to delivering bespoke designs. We’re looking forward to partnering with the team at Catalina Express to deliver an efficient, safe and world-class renewable diesel passenger vessel that will set the standard for other operators around the world looking to decarbonise.”
