October 2024
Update: Balboa Island Ferry Electrification
As mandated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in March 2022, short-run ferries, which include those traveling less than three nautical miles over a single run, will be required to be fully zero-emission by the end of 2025. The Balboa Island Ferry (BIF) has reviewed the new regulations and is working hard to comply with them. Barring a legislative exemption, the 3 boat fleet will need to be modified or new compliant boats built. Currently, CARB has agreed to allow the BIF to get one boat operating by the 2025 deadline and the others by 2026.
The BIF owners have secured state grants to cover a large portion of the costs and are working with consultants and naval engineers to determine the best course of action (modify old or build new). Navigating the myriad regulatory requirements has proven challenging, but the BIF is confident they will meet the deadlines.
VIDEO
FOX 11’s Laura Diaz was in Newport Beach as there is an ongoing dispute between ferry owner Seymour Beek and the State of California, which required all short-run ferries to replace diesel engines with zero-emission models in two years.
Inaugural Issue No.01
More of What’s Inside
State of the Bay
By Dennis Durgen
In a follow-up to our NHF Luncheon held May 15th, 2024 @ Newport Harbor Yacht Club with about 150 people in attendance I am here to report that we received many compliments on the presentation that was made with regard to the State of the Harbor.
The Newport Bay Trash Interceptor
By Marshall ‘Duffy’ Duffield
Believe it or not… After six long years since the first funding dollars arrived to build the water wheel machine there is real progress.
The Moorings
By William ‘Skip’ Kenney
There have been recent significant developments in the continuing saga of the proposed increase in the permit fees paid by the mooring permittees in Newport Harbor.
The Newport Harbor
By Harbormaster Paul Blank
It is the mission of the Newport Beach Harbor Department to keep Newport Harbor clean, safe, and well-enjoyed.