Federal funds propel hybrid Cape-May Lewes Ferry vessel

Federal Transit Administration National Communication Director Valerie Berton talks to a crowd while announcing $20 million in federal grants for the Delaware River and Bay Authority. l DBT PHOTO BY JENNIFER ANTONIK
Federal Transit Administration National Communication Director Valerie Berton talks to a crowd while announcing $20 million in federal grants for the Delaware River and Bay Authority. l DBT PHOTO BY JENNIFER ANTONIK

LEWES — A $20 million federal grant is propelling green energy in the First State as the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) works to bring a new diesel-hybrid ferry vessel to the Cape May–Lewes Ferry fleet.

DRBA leaders, congressional delegates and the Federal Trade Administration teamed up to announce the grant at the Lewes Ferry Terminal Wednesday morning as one of its newer ferries, the MV Cape Henlopen, sat quietly in the backdrop.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced nearly $300 million in investments for ferries across the country which are leaning into cleaner energy options in September, providing funding to 18 projects in 14 different states including the $20 million offered to DRBA for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry which was one of the largest amounts awarded to any one group. 

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The grant will cover about a quarter of the $74 million cost of a new ferry to which is expected to replace the 43-year-old MV Cape Henlopen, as early as 2027. Although the MV Cape Henlopen is currently the youngest ferry in the three-vessel fleet, it uses the oldest technology among them, according to Director of Cape May–Lewes Ferry Operations Heath Gehrke.

“We take very good care of the vessels and their engines . . . [they] have been reliable workhorses but their technology dates back to World War II,” he said during the announcement, adding that the technology for the engines was coined in 1938.

“People didn’t really worry as much about emissions as you might imagine. In any case, parts are starting to become harder to come by and we’re starting to see the wear and tear that just comes with 40-year-old engines,” Gehrke said.

Gehrke explained that the new ferry engine will be a state-of-the-art diesel-electric-hybrid engine which he says are the cleanest being manufactured today. The engine will either drive generators for the ferry which will either help motors to run the propellers or reduction gears or feed energy to batteries which would power up the motor and other components, allowing for the ferry to operate via zero emissions when docked or near the port.

Estimated reductions using this model include 2,025 tons in carbon dioxide, 102.7 tons in nitrogen dioxide, 1.51 tons of fine particulate matter, 1.03 tons of hydrocarbons and 5 tons of carbon monoxide. The new engines will also reduce fuel consumption by 35%, according to a press release from DRBA.

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An infrastructure study will begin in the coming months to help identify ways the organization can increase battery capacity to ensure the ferry can operate on as little emissions as possible in the future, as well as other functionality components of the new clean energy use. 

DRBA’s future plans include more upgrades to accommodate evolving needs and more green energy use, eventually moving from three 100-vehicle vessels to four 75-vehicle vessels.

“It’s important that necessary investments are made today for sustainable ferry operations for the next generation of our customers,” DRBA Executive Director Thomas Cook said in a press release about the announcement.

U.S. Senator Tom Carper talks about why green energy is important to Delaware and the United States during the announcement of a $20 million federal grant directed at the Delaware River and Bay Authority. l DBT PHOTO BY JENNIFER ANTONIK
U.S. Senator Tom Carper talks about why green energy is important to Delaware and the United States during the announcement of a $20 million federal grant directed at the Delaware River and Bay Authority. l DBT PHOTO BY JENNIFER ANTONIK

He took time during the event to thank all of DRBA’s partners in the vessel modernization program including the Federal Trade Administration and the congressional delegation who have remained an integral part of upgrading the Cape May–Lewes Ferry fleet while also honoring the memory of a “DRBA family member” who passed before the investment announcement.

“Commissioner Ted Becker – Ted was the epitome of putting the customer first which is the foundation of what the ferry operates on day in and day out,” Cook said, adding that the lasting impressions Becker left would always be remembered at the ferry.

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Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester joined U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper in sharing support for the project during the event, adding personal stories to the mix and appreciation for the future opportunities of riding along the Delaware Bay via cleaner energy options.

“It really is about the future and as I sat there thinking about all of the families who have been impacted and as I thought about Ted’s legacy, and even my dad Ted’s legacy, I am reminded that last year I got the best title I’ve ever gotten which is grandmother and I’m looking forward to bringing my granddaughter here and making that trip and doing it in a way that makes sure she still has a planet to live on,” Blunt Rochester said. 

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