Harbor Charger Begins a Ferry Transition
At a Glance
- What
Harbor Charger hybrid-electric public ferry
- When
- Introduced August 12, 2025
- Where
Lower Manhattan-Governors Island route
- Experience
An expanded passenger ferry with battery-assisted propulsion.
- Coverage
- Explore coverage
- Details
- What to Know
TheNakedNYC coverage
TheNakedNYC documented the new ferry, its passenger decks, and the Governors Island waterfront.
What to Know
A Name Chosen by New Yorkers
Brooklyn resident David Kurnov submitted Harbor Charger in a public competition that received more than 800 entries. The name links the vessel's propulsion with its harbor route.
The Power System
The vessel uses 122 lithium-ion batteries with Siemens Energy's BlueDrive Eco propulsion, BlueVault storage, and EcoMAIN monitoring. Battery power supports propulsion, lighting, and air conditioning; azimuthing thrusters provide 360-degree maneuvering.
Capacity and Accessibility
The ferry can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 30 vehicles. It includes an ADA-accessible lower lounge, restrooms on every deck, and air conditioning. The Trust says it can travel up to 66 percent faster than the ferries it joined.
Charging Is a Separate Step
The Harbor Charger began in hybrid operation while rapid shoreside charging remained in development. The Trust projects additional emissions reductions once that infrastructure is available, beyond replacing the 1956 diesel ferry Lt. Samuel S. Coursen.
The Project Team
Conrad Shipyard built the vessel in Louisiana to an Elliott Bay Design Group design, with Siemens Energy supplying key power systems and the Trust overseeing the project. The official launch announcement describes it as New York State's first hybrid-electric public ferry, introduced during the island's 20th-anniversary year as a public destination.
