Red and White Fleet's Long Awaited Plug-In Vessel, 'The Enhydra' is Available For Use in San Francisco Bay

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Red and White Fleet, a San Francisco ferry business operating on San Francisco Bay for over 126 years, announced today the newest addition to its fleet, the Enhydra. The Enhydra, a tribute to the California sea otter, will be the first aluminum hulled, lithium-Ion battery plug-in hybrid vessel built in the U.S.A.  Thomas C. Escher, President of Red and White Fleet, said: 'The Enhydra is another step in transforming our entire fleet to zero pollutions, for the benefit of future generations anywhere in the world.'

Guests on board Enhydra will experience the amazing views of the Bay and San Francisco skyline from each of the three decks, complete with the latest in hospitality services and audio tour entertainment.  It is 128' long, with a  beam of 30' and holds 600 passengers.  The second level offers a full wrap-around viewing platform with access to the large bow foredeck. The top deck is fully open and offers plenty of comfortable seating, an unbeatable vantage point for viewing air and firework shows.

Red and White partnered with BAE Systems, which is supplying its HybriGen® propulsion  system that includes large lithium ion battery packs (160kWh total), generators, control system, and AC electric traction motors. The system will be supplemented by a Cummins Tier 3 diesel engine running on 100% biofuel, further reducing emissions with a 30%-80% lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels.

Joe Burgard, VP at Red and White Fleet, said: "The Enhydra is going to change the way people experience San Francisco bay with its sleek aesthetics and quiet hybrid drive, and we see it not only as the first step in moving our fleet to zero emission but also leading our industry to a cleaner future."

The Enhydra was launched on August 13, 2018 from Bellingham Washington and arrived in San Francisco on September 5^th, and will be open to the public September 13th. The Enhydra is the latest development in Red and White Fleet's commitment to operate a zero emission fleet of vessels by 2025.

Media contact: Rose Dawydiak-Rapagnani | [email protected] | (415)-509-6962

Red and White Fleet:

Founded in 1892, the family-owned Red and White Fleet, is the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing and tourism cruise company. A staple to not only Fisherman's Wharf but the greater San Francisco area.  Over the years, millions of both locals and visitors alike have enjoyed a journey aboard Red and White Fleet's Golden Gate Bay Cruise, where tours lead passengers past San Francisco's biggest landmarks, including under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. For more information, visit: https://redandwhite.com/meet-the-fleet/

SOURCE Red and White Fleet

Related Links

https://redandwhite.com/meet-the-fleet/