Pacific Environment and partners are working to advance the New York State Clean Ferries Act to accelerate the transition to
zero-emission public ferries and cleaner air for waterfront communities across New York. The moment for action is now.
In New York State, the transportation sector accounts for nearly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. The New York State Clean Ferries Act would help reduce harmful pollution, improve air quality for New Yorkers, support the state’s climate goals and strengthen economic development. The bill establishes timelines for publicly funded ferries to transition to zero-emission technology and mandates a feasibility study to support the transition of certain workboats (primarily tug boats) to zero emission. By advancing this legislation, New York has an opportunity to address urgent public health challenges while positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly growing green maritime technology sector and the jobs it will create.
Burning diesel fuel releases asthma and cancer-causing air pollutants that harm ferry passengers and nearby communities. NYC Ferry alone emits 180,000 kg of nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) a year, equivalent to the emissions of 116,000 cars. NOₓ contributes to ozone pollution linked to hundreds of premature deaths and thousands of emergency room visits annually in NYC.
New Yorkers should be reaping the economic benefits of rapidly emerging electrification technologies, including job creation and growth in local shipyards building zero-emission ferries. This bill will help existing companies grow, attract new investment and show that reducing emissions is good for both the planet and the economy.
Diesel ferries are at risk of oil leaks and spills that can contaminate water and harm aquatic ecosystems. They also generate underwater noise that disrupts marine life. Zero-emission ferries eliminate oil leak risks and help protect New York’s waterways and aquatic ecosystems.
Access key materials from Pacific Environment and official state legislative sources related to the New York State Clean Ferries Act, including fact sheets and bill text.
Read coverage, reports and analysis on ferry electrification efforts, funding developments and broader progress toward zero-emission maritime transportation.
NYS bill aims to cut transportation emissions (FingerLakes1)
The Trust for Governors Island Debuts New Hybrid-Electric Ferry: the Harbor Charger (Governor’s Island)
Major Grant Will Help Electrify Seastreak Ferry (The Two River Times)
Pacific Environment is proud to work alongside environmental organizations, community advocates, industry leaders and policy partners supporting the New York State Clean Ferries Act and the transition to zero-emission ferries across New York.
A “near-zero-emission” ferry refers to a ferry that uses technologies that significantly reduce exhaust emissions of any greenhouse gas, criteria pollutant or precursor pollutant under any and all possible operational modes or conditions and provide a pathway to zero-emission operations. These include hybrid diesel-electric ferries that can run on zero emissions for a specified minimum distance.
The bill applies to publicly-funded ferry routes operating in NY state waterways. As such, the following ferry systems would be covered under this legislation: NYC Ferry (all routes), NY Waterway (NY-only route Haverstraw-Ossining), Staten Island Ferry and Governors Island Ferry. However, final determination and confirmation of applicable systems and routes would be made by the relevant agencies responsible for implementation and oversight once the bill becomes law.
Approximately 40 vessels would be covered by this bill across New York City ferry services and select regional operators. This includes NYC Ferry, which operates 27 vessels; the Staten Island Ferry, with nine vessels in service and Governors Island ferries, with one diesel vessel and one hybrid-electric passenger-vehicle ferry, and plans to transition to full electric operations. NYC Ferry’s fleet is primarily powered by diesel engines, and they have already conducted a pilot program using renewable diesel on select routes.
Explore the full list of FAQs to learn more about the New York State Clean Ferries Act, zero-emission ferry technology and the transition to cleaner maritime transportation in New York. Interested in the bill and Pacific Environment’s efforts? Reach out to Northeast Climate State Policy Manager Karina Brocco French to connect and collaborate.