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January, 2011
Recently,
New York Water Taxi signed a joint venture agreement with Momentum Marine
LLC and Capitol Energy Solutions to develop an automatic ferry docking
system for Water Taxi’s fleet.
The goal of
the project is to create a docking system that will grab the vessel and
enable the ferry captain to throttle down engines during loading and
unloading, which will reduce diesel emissions, fuel consumption and
operating costs.
The team has been awarded
funding through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
with the goal of bringing the positive restraint technology to market.
Last year the team completed feasibility studies and has now entered into the design phase of the system.
Momentum Marine expects to begin demonstrations in late 2013-early 2014.
The docking system will result in lower operating costs for the fleet.
Download the Project Flyer
Here
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Project Focuses
on the Problem
Passenger and
cargo ferries in major city ports around the globe spend as much as 50% of
their fuel costs throttling the engines at close to full power just to hold
the vessel against the dock when loading and unloading. Not only is this
expensive but it waists valuable diesel fuel, and is one of the major causes
of pollution in today’s transportation market. Momentum Marine and NYWT are
developing the solution. It provides a quick, secure method to latch the
vessel to the dock, and allow the ship to throttle down. No ropes needed.
The captain simply steers the ship toward the target markings on the dock
and the Smartlander System will do the rest. The result is major savings in
fuel cost, as well as providing a greener solution for the city.
Currently, most ferry operators use engine power to remain at dock when
unloading and loading.
Initial analysis revealed that, in common cases of operation in a one-mile
crossing, New York City ferries at dock were running full or three-quarter
power. Moreover, their dock time exceeded the actual running time and power
requirements in transporting passengers (for example: crossing time 5 min.,
dock time 5.5 min). As a result, in normal application, these ferry systems
could save over fifty percent (50%) of their fuel use and corresponding
pollution in operation with the use of a ferry boat docking system.
Preliminary estimates of emission reductions for one quarter of a typical
fleet indicate that approximately 140 tons of NOx reduced and 40 tons of
particulates would be eliminated.
The successful
development of the ferry docking positive restraint device will have
significant energy and environmental benefits. This project could provide
users with up to fifty percent (50%) fuel savings. This fuel savings will,
in turn, provide equally large corresponding environmental benefits.
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Primary Ferry
Docker System characteristics include:
Safe
Design incorporates multiple fail safes that will grasp the
vessel even in the event of loss of power.
System will be
rigorously tested for high reliability
and easy maintenance.
System incorporates
guidance features that allow easy docking and compensates for
vessel misalignment with dock.
Sensors can detect once the ferry is present, and can trigger the
lock command.
Compliance built in to accommodate the various rocking forces
imposed on the unit from rougher water conditions.
Engagement device will
easily integrate into the existing hull
design.
Options included for possible
single-handed operation.
The design will be
scalable for any ferry application.
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Market
Analysis
Momentum
Marine has been conducting market surveys as a way to gauge how the boating
community will respond to a SmartLander – type device. Our market surveys show
that over 50% of respondents demand a product that will make the landing and
launching process safer, quicker and easier for boaters.
The market research is an ongoing project. You are invited to contribute
your opinion by Contacting Momentum Marine with questions.
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Intellectual Property
Multiple patents have been issued
for the Smartlander docking system. There are
presently other utility patents pending regarding Nautical Landing System and
methods. Contact
info@momentummarine.com with any questions.
The
Intellectual Property Rights are offered for license or for purchase to
interested parties. Contact Daniel Norton for
inquiries |
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