PISCES IS BACK WITH NEW, CLEANER ENGINES
San Francisco Bay Ferry’s MV Pisces recently re-entered service after a major conversion project to heavily reduce emissions from the vessel.

MV Pisces returned to service in April as the first ferry completed in WETA’s Gemini Conversion Project. WETA’s four Gemini-class vessels were built with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2 engines about 15 years ago. The conversion project replaces those engines with U.S. EPA Tier 4 certified engines, the cleanest available. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions will decrease 73 percent and particular matter (PM) emissions will decrease 80 percent on each of the four vessels.

MV Taurus is currently in Washington state receiving its new Tier 4 engines. The full project will be completed in 2023.

“WETA is committed to reducing emissions from its existing fleet while working toward a zero-emission future,” said WETA Executive Director Seamus Murphy. “Our agency has pushed the industry forward by building the cleanest new high-speed passenger ferries in the nation, and now we’re working to convert our oldest boats to this new standard.”

Funding for the Gemini class project came from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Carl Moyer grant program and proceeds from Alameda County transportation sales tax Measure B and BB. 
MEET MV DORADO ON MAY 24

MV Dorado, the newest ferry to join WETA’s San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet, will enter service in the coming weeks. Ferry riders have a unique opportunity to tour the boat on Tuesday, May 24.

A christening event will be held for MV Dorado on that day. From 3 PM until 6 PM on May 24 at the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal, the public is invited to tour the vessel and talk to WETA staff about fleet plans and ferry amenities.

MV Dorado is the first of four new vessels built by Mavrik Marine in La Conner, Wash. The 320-passenger ferry is the fastest in the fleet, reaching service speeds of 36 knots. The vessel was designed for maximum versatility, with the speed to handle the Vallejo route in an hour but the size to fit at the South San Francisco and Harbor Bay ferry terminals. Expansive outdoor space can be found on the aft deck of MV Dorado as well.
ANOTHER ADDITION TO THE RICHMOND FERRY FEST

The Richmond Ferry Fest is coming on Saturday, June 11. Attendance is free, but we encourage those interested to register on Eventbrite.

San Francisco Bay Ferry is partnering with Richmond Promise and Columbia Sportswear for the Richmond 5K Fun Run, scheduled for the morning of June 11 near the location of the Ferry Fest. As a part of that partnership, ferry riders can enjoy discounted prices on incredible gear AND give back to Richmond’s future generations by visiting the Columbia Employee store within the Craneway Pavilion any time from June 9 through July 10. Just present your unique Richmond Promise Community Cares voucher and 10% of all proceeds from your visit will go straight towards the Richmond Promise and their higher education scholarship/support systems. Don’t miss out!

At the Ferry Fest, free harbor rides aboard the MV Dorado will be available. Live entertainment, children’s activities and food will be there as well, right at the Richmond Ferry Terminal from 9 AM to 3 PM on June 11.

Questions about the Richmond Promise Community Cares voucher for Columbia? Contact ccollins@richmondpromise.org

Questions about the Richmond Ferry Fest? Contact customerservice@sanfranciscobayferry.com
GET CLIPPER ON YOUR PHONE

Bay Area travelers have more options when they ride transit with Clipper—you can pay fares with Clipper on your phone! Last year, Clipper launched on Apple Pay and Google Pay and released an app that lets cardholders manage their accounts using their mobile device. Clipper users can add Clipper to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay and pay transit fares with their smart phones. You can register a new card or transfer an existing plastic card to pay transit fares through Apple Wallet or Google Pay.

Download the Clipper app to manage your Clipper account with your phone. Clipper on your phone will be available for Adult, Youth, Senior, and RTC cardholders. RTC cardholders must keep their plastic card as proof of eligibility in case they are stopped for fare inspection.

DOCK-TIONARY: MARINE FENDERS

Welcome to Dock-tionary, a new series where we help ferry fans learn how to speak boat. First up: learn about marine fenders.

‘Fenders’ or marine fenders are an important part of vessel safety on the water. Fenders are comprised of buoyant material systems used to absorb energy of a moving vessel resulting in damage to the vessel or adjacent docks or pilings. Essentially, you can think of marine fenders as bumpers for the ferry vessel. 

Because fendering is used in some way on all vessels, they come in all shapes and sizes from tires (often found on tugboats or smaller vessels) or pneumatic or foam fenders often found at docks and marinas. These and have evolved over the years to provide the maximum protection for specific vessel types and their jobs. These useful devices can be attached to the ship, or they are often already secured at dock in a manner custom to the size and needs of the vessel. This is the case with our ferries.

When fenders are stored onboard, the large fenders are secured with heavy chains (lashings) and smaller fenders stored in cradles on deck. Often all types of equipment related to mooring operations is typically found in dedicated storerooms known as the forecastle (foc’sle) near the bow of the ship. As the vessel approaches a dock or another boat, a crew members will deploy the fenders as needed and pass mooring lines to secure the vessel safely.

The next time you are onboard a ferry and arriving at your destination, notice how the fenders are used for the protection of your ferry as these are used at every one of our terminals and onboard ferry vessels.
FERRY TALES: DAISY

Why is San Francisco Bay Ferry the best way to cross the bay?
It's peaceful, beautiful, and aside from the occasional container ship in the estuary, traffic-free.

What is your favorite ferry memory?
Writing my first published novel while riding to and from work.

How would you describe the atmosphere on the ferry?
Friendly and relaxed.

What is your favorite ferry amenity?
The bar! I've made many good friends on the ferry, and Fridays are time to close the computer and have some rosé.

Describe San Francisco Bay Ferry in one word. 
Inspirational