December 2025
NEWPORT HARBOR FOUNDATION – Balboa Island Electrification Update
By Bill Kenney
Board Member Edward “Val” Lyon
As a result of new regulations promulgated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2023, the Balboa Island Ferry (BIF) is required to reduce vessel emissions, with the first compliance date being 12/31/25. Over the past 3 years, the BIF has been working closely with CARB on various alternatives to comply with the new regulations by the cutoff date. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of an economically viable solution and delays in processing grant funding, the BIF has had to apply for an extension to that deadline.
At this time, the BIF is pursuing a zero-emission solution with battery powered electric vessels. To implement this solution, the BIF has a contract from South Coast AQMD‘s Carl Moyer program for $1.8 million and CARB has awarded to South Coast AQMD an additional $8 million grant for the BIF electrification project. South Coast AQMD is in the final stages of issuing the contract to BIF. With initial feasibility analysis completed, the engineering, design, and construction work is awaiting the completion of the AQMD/BIF contract.
Quarterly Issue Holidays Edition
More of What’s Inside
Lido House Reception
By Dennis Durgan
Greetings and Happy Holidays from the Newport Harbor Foundation crew!
On and Offshore Moorings Update
By Bill Kenney
By way of background, almost all of what we know as Newport Harbor is owned by the State of California and is referred to as public tidelands.
Trash Interceptor
City of Newport Beach Website
The City of Newport Beach has completed the construction of the innovative Newport Bay Trash Interceptor in March 2025 and is actively collecting and removing floating trash and debris from San Diego Creek before this trash load enters the environmentally sensitive Upper Newport Bay Marine Preserve.
Navigating a Busy and Changing Harbor
By Harbormaster Paul Blank
As we move into the close of 2025, the Newport Beach Harbor Department continues to evolve to meet the growing and changing demands of the most active recreational harbor on the West Coast.
Update on Orange County Coastkeeper Projects
By Devon Kelly
Orange County Coastkeeper is a non-profit clean water organization that serves to protect fresh and saltwater ecosystems. Kaysha Kenney is the Marine Restoration Director and is in charge of all their ongoing projects.
Balboa Island Ferry Electrification
By Val Lyon
As a result of new regulations promulgated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2023, the Balboa Island Ferry (BIF) is required to reduce vessel emissions, with the first compliance date being 12/31/25.
