U.S. Maritime: New Bedford, Redwood City/San Francisco

The Port of New Bedford Harbor Development Commission recently a comprehensive look into the development of a business case for marine highway services on the U.S. East Coast. A privately contracted commuter passenger ferry service has begun operating on a trial basis between the ports of Redwood City and San Francisco started service.  

New Bedford Harbor Commission Releases East Coast Marine Highway Services Study

The Port of New Bedford Harbor Development Commission recently released the East Coast Marine Highway Initiative M-95 Study, a comprehensive look into the development of a business case for marine highway services on the U.S. East Coast. The study was led by a partnership consisting of the ports of New Bedford, Baltimore and Canaveral, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the I-95 Corridor Coalition. Financial assistance was provided by the U.S. Maritime Administration.

The objective was to study how marine highway service might alleviate highway congestion along the Interstate-95 corridor. The study focused on services identified in two Marine Highway Initiatives designated by the Secretary of Transportation in 2010 (a) the AMH 1-95 Corridor Service Project (ports of New Bedford, Baltimore, and Canaveral) and (b) the New Jersey Marine Highway Platform.

In their study, the partnership decided to focus on specific costs, schedules and other requirements that would make a marine highway service viable. The study examined market forces and engaged the shipping industry to identify key impediments to the introduction of service along the M-95 corridor.

Vessel itineraries, service parameters and potential terminal locations were developed for specific service routes. 

"Successful East Coast Marine Highway services, such as the 64 Express between Richmond and Norfolk, Va., provide public benefits by reducing traffic congestion, infrastructure maintenance costs, and transportation-related air emissions," said Acting Maritime Administrator Paul "Chip" Jaenichen. "This study helps to identify the institutional and operational challenges and opportunities for several potential East Coast services, helps stake holders to focus on business opportunities, and articulates where the tipping point for starting some of those services might lie."

The East Coast Marine Highway Initiative Study is available at http://www.portofnewbedford.org/hdc/studies.

Private Passenger Ferry Tested Between Ports of Redwood City and San Francisco

A private passenger ferry service operating under permits from the ports of Redwood City and San Francisco started service between the two ports on a five-week trial basis on January 7.  

The privately chartered ferry service operated by Multi-National Logistics Systems is carrying passengers for a private employer in Silicon Valley. Buses meet the ferries on Redwood City’s Wharf 5 to transport passengers to and from their place of work. The ferry service provides four trips per day, Monday-Friday – two trips in the morning and two in the afternoon. Arrivals are between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and departures between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This is a pilot program designed to help the company evaluate the suitability of this mode of transportation for its employees. The pilot program will terminate on February 7. The vessel carries 149 passengers and travels at 27 knots. The Port of Redwood City tariff rate for a vessel of this size berthed at a commercial wharf is $95 per day. The ferry has a Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection. The vessel is manned by Masters Mates and Pilots Union members. Public ferry service is unavailable between San Francisco and Redwood City.

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