Car ferry exploring natural gas as fuel - htrnews.com

Posted - 12:00 AM, Jun. 10, 2011 - htrnews.com

Conversion would help Badger meet '12 environmental deadline

MANITOWOC — Lake Michigan Carferry Service officials are hoping natural gas might fuel the S.S. Badger's engines and keep the big ship in operation beyond 2012.
Lynda Matson, vice president of customer service and marketing, said Thursday LMC is exploring the possibility of using compressed natural gas, instead of coal, as the fuel source for the 410-foot ship that went into service in 1953.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that the Badger may not discharge coal ash from its boilers after Dec. 19, 2012, putting at risk its ferry service between Ludington and Manitowoc.
In 2010, the city of Ludington's $15 million grant request to the federal Department of Transportation to convert the Badger's engines from coal-fired to diesel was turned down.
Matson said conversion to diesel would be less expensive and that LMC officials are working with regulatory agencies to determine a possible conversion timeline.
'Greenest commercial vessel'
Matson said LMC was contacted by DTE Energy about the possible natural gas conversion, which, she stated, would make the Badger the greenest commercial vessel operating on the Great Lakes.
She said there are several reasons why LMC is pursuing natural gas as a fuel source. "It would allow the 59-year-old S.S. Badger to maintain her historical significance by preserving her nationally recognized steam engines.
"It is also a safe fuel source that is commonly used in homes and businesses, as well as being economically viable and environmentally sound," Matson said.
She said finding a safe, feasible and environmentally friendly option with natural gas "is important to our company. We employ nearly 250 people and affect an additional 450 jobs.
"We also have an economic impact of nearly $35 million annually for our port cities, Ludington and Manitowoc."
Matson said, in 2008, the EPA was ordered to regulate vessel discharges under the Clean Water Act and that nearly 70,000 vessels were required to obtain a Vessel General Permit for any type of discharge.
She stated that LMC has invested more than a quarter million dollars on the Vessel General Permit issue.

Complete story at:
http://www.htrnews.com/article/20110610/MAN0101/106100579/Car-ferry-exploring-natural-gas-fuel?odyssey=nav|head