Richard Hills: Auckland City Councillor on the issues impacting the city's first hybrid electric ferry
Heather du Plessis-Allan DriveSummary
Auckland's new hybrid electric ferry faces operational challenges as it currently sails in circles at night to charge its battery using diesel motors. The ferry is designed to reduce diesel consumption by 25%, but the absence of a charging station in downtown Auckland has led to this workaround. Auckland City Councillor Richard Hills acknowledges the frustration but emphasizes that once the charging station is completed, the ferry will operate almost entirely on electric power.
The construction of the charging station is expected to be completed by mid-next year, but delays in design and consenting processes have pushed back the timeline. A second hybrid ferry is set to join the fleet by the end of the year, which will also rely on the charging station for optimal operation. Residents of Devonport have raised concerns about noise pollution from the ferry's diesel engines, but Hills notes that only a few official complaints have been received, and adjustments have been made to mitigate the issue. Despite the current inefficiencies, the overall reduction in diesel use is seen as a positive step towards more sustainable ferry operations.
Show Notes
Auckland's first hybrid electric passenger ferry isn't running so green as it charges around in circles, loading up its batteries. The ferry was christened in the Waitemata Harbour in July, but its downtown charging station won't be ready until next year. Meantime, back-up diesel generators are powering it up through the night, with one resident calling it 'obnoxiously loud'. City Councillor Richard Hills says it's frustrating. "It is using about 25 percent less diesel than the ferry before - when the charger's in place, it will be using almost no diesel at all." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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