đ Article:
In a recent episode of Marine Logâs Listen Up! podcast, Seamus Murphy, Executive Director of San Francisco Bay Ferry (WETA), shares how the agency is transitioning toward cleaner, smarter ferry operations. At the heart of this effort is the introduction of the M/V Karl, the first passenger ferry in the U.S. to meet Californiaâs strict emissions standard under CARB (California Air Resources Board).
Built by Mavrik Marine and backed by diesel particulate filters and Tier 4 engines, the vessel exemplifies high-efficiency design and reduced air pollution. It joins its sister shipsâM/V Dorado and M/V Delphinusâwith a fourth, M/V Zalophus, expected later this year. These ferries are guided by optimized routing and real-time performance tracking systems, allowing crews to maximize fuel efficiency, integrate wind and weather data, and significantly lower overall emissions.
Murphy discusses the technological innovation behind these wave-piercing catamarans, emphasizing the importance of crew training, proactive greenhouse gas monitoring, and scalability for future battery-electric or hybrid propulsion systems. The M/V Karlâs deployment marks a milestone in WETAâs green fleet rollout.
This move reflects a broader industry trend: maritime operators are investing heavily in electric propulsion, cleaner fuels, and autonomous systems as part of global decarbonization strategies. Murphy also touches on upcoming electric ferry trials for intercity routes and the role of policy and public-private partnerships in accelerating adoption.
đ Interesting Fact
The M/V Karl is the first U.S. ferry equipped with diesel particulate filters, setting a precedent for cleaner public marine transport under Californiaâs air quality regulations.