As we approach 25K signatures, I wanted to take a moment to answer some of the more frequently asked questions that come up on social media regarding our issue. I will also address the importance of WHY it is so crucial for us to get the correct information out to you. 

Question 1: Can the Ferry be saved by being designated a Historical Landmark?

The short answer is no. We are attempting to gain historic status, but from everything we've researched, having the designation of a Historical Landmark will not shield us from CARB's Harborcraft Mandate. 

Question 2: Why seek Historic Designation if it won't protect you from the mandate?

Right now we're trying to get this issue out in front of people, and Historic Landmark status would certainly be another newsworthy moment to let people know whats at stake down here.

Gaining Historic status would also trigger a new CEQA Analysis from the state. Part of this analysis would require "consideration of feasible project alternatives or. Adoption of mitigation measures and monitoring for project impacts that cannot be avoided."

So there a chance this could slow the process down and buy us some more time, which we desperately need.

Question 3: Is the Ferry subsidized?

No, the ferry is privately owned and is not, and has never been subsidized by the City of Newport Beach or the State of California.

Question 4: When will the Ferry accept financial donations or begin a go-fund-me campaign?

The main message were trying to stress through all of this is Feasibility, Not Funding. We may have to jump through some pretty high hoops, but there's funding available through grants and other sources. The issue here is we've been working on this project for the last two-and-a-half years, and we haven't found a Naval Architect who has found a way to overcome the unique challenges the ferry faces for electrification. So while we haven't ruled out crowdfunding or donations in the future, right now theres no where to direct that funding to.

Question 5: What are the unique challenges for the Ferry in going zero-emission?

We have three main issues with electrifying the Ferry and they're all linked together. Space, placement, and charging. 

Space

The Ferry's aren't very large, and they don't have a tremendous amount of below -deck space. Some of the Naval Architects we've spoken to believe the only way to make this work is to place batteries below deck AND above.

Placement

The US Coast Guard looks a lot closer at wooden vessels, more so than aluminum and steel boats. Because of this, we need to be able to grant an inspector access to any area there's a keel bolt or fastener. This means we can't permanently install battery boxes. It needs to be a modular, removable system that allows for our regular inspections.

Charging

This is the big one. In every meeting I've had with a marine architect on converting the ferry, the very first question they ask is "how long can we charge the ferry between crossings?"

When I tell them we're only in the slip for 3-5 minutes, they tend to get very quiet. Because we run so frequently, from 6 am until midnight, we will need an amount of batteries exponentially higher than any other similar project. That is why Naval Architects are considering putting batteries on the upper decks.

Which creates another issue. There are certain changes that take place on a vessel that are considered a Major Conversion by the USCG. Substantially changes the carrying capacity of the vessel is one of the main factors involved in the decision whether something is a Major Conversion. 

If we have to take fewer passengers because the weight of all those batteries affects our stability OR because there's less room on the deck because of battery storage, this whole situation becomes even more difficult.

Question 6: Why is it important to get this information out?

Because members of the Air Resource Board have a tendency to omit key pieces of information regarding this issue. In a May 15th article in the Daily Pilot, CARB spokeswoman Lys Mendez stated that the technology for Electric ferries exists, referencing the Switch Sea Change and three vessels owned by Alcatraz Cruises. To be clear, Switch Sea Change was a 15 million Hydrogen conversion and has not been cleared for service. The three Alcatraz ferries do not take vehicles and run less frequently, allowing for charging throught the day. The Balboa Island Ferry runs constantly.

We are being ordered to change by a board that doesn't understand how our business operates. 

So again, I implore you, please send emails in to harborcraft@arb.ca.gov . Let them know you're paying attention. Tell your friends, heck, tell your enemies! they may use the Ferry! We need your voices.

We are continuing to fight the good fight on our end. We've had another round of meetings with naval architects, some better than others, but we are constantly working towards a solution the state will accept.

We will continue to pursue historical designation, even if it only means buying more time. 

And we will do our part to keep pushing this into the public eye. I will be testifying before the EPA tomorrow 6/1/23 to try and make our case for why this mandate wont work, and Seymour will be on OAN to discuss the issue next Tuesday the 6th. 

Thank you all again for your incredible support and encouragement. Please stick with us and continue to make your voices heard. 

Keep Calm And Ferry On

Nate Capra

Operations Manager

Balboa Island Ferry