Port of Los Angeles Will Create the World’s First Harbor Craft Retrofitted with a Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System

SAN PEDRO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has authorized the Port of Los Angeles to purchase a hybrid propulsion system for its 40-passenger harbor tour boat. The project will make the 40-year-old Angelena II the first harbor craft in the world to be retrofitted with a dual-electric motor, ultra-low emission Hybrid Propulsion System. Under the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the $489,000 high-tech haul-out will be fully reimbursed through a U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

“The marine industry has been begging for the technology that would allow a hybrid breakthrough for boating”

“Harbor vessel pollution is a common problem in ports nationwide,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “But instead of waiting for someone else to find a solution, we’re going to re-power our vessel and demonstrate how this new technology can work for other ports and vessel operators. By cutting energy usage in half and reducing fuel costs and emissions by more than 95 percent, we believe that hybrid propulsion systems could make a lot of sense for commercial harbor vessels here and elsewhere.”

“The marine industry has been begging for the technology that would allow a hybrid breakthrough for boating,” added Jack McCoy, CEO of EnergyTech Marine Group. “The EnergyTech Marine lithium-ion-powered Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vessel system actually leapfrogs future automotive Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. The reduction of energy consumption and emissions far exceeds any of the hybrid technologies currently offered for autos. The Angelena II conversion will be game-changing for marine powering installations worldwide.”

Built in 1970, the Angelena II is a 73-foot harbor motor craft currently powered by two 350-horsepower diesel engines. After reaching 300 operating hours (anticipated later this year), the engines will no longer meet California emissions requirements. By switching from biodiesel to an ultra-low emission serial hybrid propulsion system it is estimated the Angelena II will cut fuel usage by 95 percent.

The Angelena II provides tours of the Port in support of the Port’s ongoing community relations, business development and marketing efforts. The Port provides dozens of tours annually on the Angelena II, hosting public officials, foreign delegations, media representatives, students, business stakeholders and community members. The retrofit is scheduled to take place between September 2010 and December 2010.

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 919,000 regional jobs and $39.1 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.

The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.