Ferry Delaware Revamped, Ready For Bay Crossings

NORTH CAPE MAY – The future of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet of vessels will feature more power, greater reliability and less pollution beginning May 31. The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) celebrated the return of the MV Delaware to its ferry duties at a brief ceremony attended by DRBA officials and local elected leaders May 31. According to James E. Salmon, public information officer, Delaware River and Bay Authority: 
“The MV Delaware returns to active service with two new engines following a six-month repowering effort at Caddell’s Drydock and Repair Company in Staten Island, N.Y. This initial repowering project was aided by a $975,000 Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. 
“These new engines not only burn less fuel and are more efficient, but emissions are reduced by nearly 40 percent. By undertaking this effort, the Ferry significantly extends the useful life of our fleet and provides a cleaner environment in the communities we serve.”
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) attended as did DRBA Executive Director Scott Green, Chief Operations Officer Vince Meconi, and Director of Ferry Operations Heath Gehrke. 
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, and Lower Township Mayor Michael Beck also attended.
During a tour of the engine room, Chief Engineer Bob Greenling described the new engines as generating 2,000 horsepower at 9,000 revolutions per minute. These engines replace both 40-year-old diesel engines that were designed for submarines before the nuclear age. 
The MV Delaware tested the new engines during a three-phase protocol that included a 14-hour sea trial and stress test, and Coast Guard inspections of design and procedures for future inspections.
The Delaware began carrying cars and passengers that week, and Greenling is confident that all is ready for summer usage. 
One benefit besides its fuel efficiency is the significant drop in nitrogen emissions that would normally be sent into our air by 39 tons or the weight of 12 tractor trailers.
Salmon, in regards to future upgrades to the other ferries, stated “In early April, the Federal Transit Administration announced a $6 million grant to the Delaware River and Authority to continue repowering and retrofitting the remaining vessels in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry fleet. The MV New Jersey and MV Cape Henlopen are equipped with two Fairbanks Morse 38D8-1/8 propulsion engines with a power rating of 2,060 horsepower each. More than 40 years old, these workhorse engines are approaching 100,000 operating hours or the equivalent of 1.5 million miles. Also, because the engines are no longer built, spare parts are becoming both difficult to find and expensive.”
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.