We are thrilled to announce that the Balboa Island Ferry has received a $7.9 million demonstration grant for transitioning our fleet to zero emissions. This is a phenomenal achievement and the result of a lot of dedication and hard work from people who truly believe in this 100+ year-old business and want to preserve a piece of Newport Beach history. 

South Coast AQMD, in partnership with BIF, submitted an application proposing to convert BIF’s operation to zero-emission, in collaboration with technology providers Aurora Marine Design and Green Yachts, and others including the City of Newport Beach and Southern California Edison. Assemblywoman Diane Dixon has introduced a bill, AB 3153, to grant  BIF and similar operations a 15-year extension to meet compliance.

This also wouldn’t be possible without people like yourself who reached out by phone or email to share your support. On behalf of everyone at the Ferry, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your help.

There is still a long road ahead and much work to be done, but now for the first time, we are heading down that road with hope. Hope of making it through this transition and hope of continuing to support the transportation needs of visitors and residents alike, as we continue to reduce vehicle emissions in Orange County as we have done for over 100 years.

We will have more information for you soon. Please stay tuned for more updates