California’s first short-haul electric ferry is expected to break the waves in 2024 as part of a collaboration between Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Company.
The Angel Island Ferry Service was established in 1959 with a rich history in San Francisco. The company was launched by Milton McDonogh, son of “Sammy the Skiffman,” who was famous for taking vacationers to Angel Island on $0.25 fishing charters.
Milton continued the tradition, starting the service by converting a former 50-capacity naval launch. After business picked up, the official “Angel Island Ferry” was released in 1975, designed specifically for the operation.
As time went by, San Francisco and the area became more popular with tourists, leading to an increase in demand for the ferry service.
The Angel Island Ferry is the company’s largest ship, at 59 feet and a capacity for 400 passengers. She features two levels, two bathrooms, a kitchen with sinks and a coffee maker, table seating on the lower levels, and bench seating throughout.
With the growing demand for sustainable transportation, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is partnering with The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Company to convert the ferry to zero-emission electric.
California gears up for its first short-distance electric ferry in 2024
The electric ferry hopes to be the first zero-emission short-haul electric ferry in the Golden State.
Captain Maggie McDonogh, owner and fourth generation operator of The Angel Island Ferry, is excited to go electric, saying:
We are very excited that The Angel Island will be the first of California’s short-haul ferries to go 100% zero emissions, as our company continues to support the natural environment of the Bay and our beautiful state park.
Green Yachts a California-based electric boating company will handle the conversion of the Angel Island ferry to electric propulsion.
Through PG&E’s Electric Vehicle Fleet Program, the partners also plan to boost electric transmission and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the transition, as the ferry will require significant power.
Graham Balch, Managing Broker at Geen Yachts, explains: “An electric semi-trailer requires 2 kWh to go a mile, and the Angel Island ferry requires 30 kWh to go a mile,” which could be challenging, but they are confident they can do it. with enough fast charging.
