![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Harbor-Charger_credit-Timothy-Schenck.jpg\" "\\"New")
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A ferry at Governors Island. <\/p>\n
Photo by Timothy Schenck<\/p>\n
All aboard for some sightseeing! The first hybrid-electric public ferry to operate in New York is ready to launch in the Big Apple, officials announced on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dubbed the \u201cHarbor Charger,\u201d the $33 million boat will start cruising NYC waters on Wednesday, Aug. 13. With a capacity to hold 1,200 passengers \u2014 not to mention 30 delivery vehicles \u2014 officials said it has the ability to travel at speeds \u201cup to 66% faster\u201d than current ferries.<\/p>\n
Speaking of other ferries, the Harbor Charger will replace the diesel-powered Lt. Samuel S. Coursen, the organization\u2019s current vehicle and passenger ferry that was commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1956 and has been in continuous use ever since.<\/p>\n
Officials said that the boat\u2019s diesel-electric propulsion system is more eco-friendly than fully gasoline-powered crafts. They explained that the battery-assisted hybrid mode will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 600 tons annually.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Round-trip tickets<\/a> are $5. Ages 65 and older and children 12\u00a0and younger are free.\u00a0<\/p>\n Gov. Kathy Hochul wants New Yorkers and visitors to take a \u201cgame-changing\u201d ride on the boat.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u201cGovernors Island\u2019s new hybrid-electric ferry is exactly the type of game-changing transportation we need to continue driving down emissions in New York,\u201d Hochul said. \u201cI encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to take advantage of this cleaner, greener option to explore our beloved Governors Island.\u201d<\/p>\n Located just yards away from Lower Manhattan, Governors Island has been open to the public for 20 years. It features public art, bird tours, walking tours, bike rentals, lots of nature<\/a> and an array of events.\u00a0<\/p>\n There is also the Hammock Grove Play Area on the island that features play structures for kids to climb and swing on, as well as a slide hill that has a curving, 57-foot-long, three-story-high slide.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe Harbor Charger joining our fleet of passenger ferries is a momentous day for the Trust and for the thousands of visitors who enjoy what Governors Island has to offer every single day,\u201d Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, said. \u201c<\/b>We are excited to provide a cleaner, greener mode of transportation to the Island for the nearly one million individuals who travel here each year.\u201d<\/p>\n The ferry, designed by Elliot Bay Design Group, required 465 tons of steel. It features modern amenities, a lower-level ADA-accessible lounge, and restrooms on each level.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe Harbor Charger will carry passengers smoothly across the harbor, welcoming repeat visitors and first timers from around the world,\u201d Newman said.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n