Why did you join the staff at the WTA?

The opportunity to make a difference. Having been a commuter in the area I realize the need for many transit options to assist in relieving highway congestion. Being given the task to directly work one solution by designing economically feasible, technically superior and environmentally friendly ferryboats is the chance of a lifetime. Successful results would produce an overall benefit to the entire region. I like the idea of placing my signature on the process (veni, vidi, vici).

Where did you work previously?

Prior to joining the WTA, I was a Marine Consultant with Chevron Shipping Company. Over the almost nine years at Chevron I held various positions such as a LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tanker new construction project manager; the Y2K program manager; and, Fuel, Lube and Energy Conservation Manager. I commenced my career with Chevron International as a technical sales engineer with Marine Lubes followed by a stint with Technology Marketing. Spending two years with the DOD (Department of Defense) as a Port Engineer I grasped considerable knowledge in ship repair methods onboard the missile tracking vessel USNS Observation Island. Seagoing experience was gained at Exxon Shipping Company where I shipped out on oil tankers for nine years starting as a Third Assistant Engineer and departing after reaching my goal of sailing as a Chief Engineer. Judging from my past work experiences, this job at the WTA is a natural fit for me. I’ve enjoyed every job I’ve had and prefer working within the maritime industry because of a mutual understanding that exists within the community (no BS).

What’s your job description at the WTA?

In conjunction with Steve Castleberry who is the WTA’s Manager of Systems Planning, I am responsible for providing the technical information required for the programmatic and environmental documents as well as the Implementation and Operation Plan. Specifically I’ll manage the areas involving New Technologies and Air Emissions, Vessel Design and development of the Safety Plan.

What’s the scoop on New Technologies and Air Emissions?

In a word, fascinating. Really. We are currently on the verge of remarkable technological advancements in controlling air emissions on existing marine engines and the new ideas for alternative fuels are just phenomenal. Currently, if you desired to reduce NOx & PM emissions, you could utilize a "Fill and Go" technology like PuriNOx, which is a unique water-blend fuel. Another option is utilizing a renewable fuel like biodiesel. It’s made from new or used vegetable oils and reduces most emissions with the exception of NOx. Soybeans are a popular component for biodiesel. Other alternative fuel possibilities that we will research include the use of natural gas or propane. For emission reduction there’s an after-treatment of exhaust gas technology on the market called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) where you can mix urea into the exhaust prior to passing it through a catalytic converter giving you great NOx reduction numbers. Another technique is Humid Air Motor (HAM) that prevents NOx formation during combustion by the addition of water vapor into the combustion air. Looking forward, the future holds some promising solutions for the exhaust emission problem. Hybrid engines and solar power are considerations for powering future propulsion systems. It appears, though, that fuel cells are potentially the ultimate power provider. A broad spectrum of alternative fuels and emission reduction technologies will be researched and we will maintain contact with regulatory bodies, ferry/transit operators and environmental groups to insure the feasibility of such alternatives.

How will you maintain contact with these groups?

Glad you inquired. Establishing the "Clean Marine" ad hoc work group is one communication concept. This small work group consists of members of our Technical Advisory Committee who are clearly stakeholders within this area. Members include representatives from ARB, BAAQMD, USCG, local ferry operators, transit operators, non-profit environmental protection groups and local engineering firms. We convened for the first time on 29 June. Our discussion focused on insuring that the scope of work for alternative fuels and alternative propulsion systems was addressing not only the needs; but, the mandatory requirements of each group. Combining the concerns of the ferry operators with the knowledge of impending emission regulations provided by the environmental groups proved to be beneficial dialogue. I’m confident that this group will keep us on the correct course.

Any ideas on future vessel design?

When Steve Castleberry informs me of potential routes, I’ll hit the drafting board with pencil in hand sketching the design – right! Actually, there are excellent designs in existence and we need to insure they meet the parameters we set by creating our detailed design specifications. A majority of the fast ferry designs in the world originated in Australia with the most recognized firms being Advanced Multihull Design (AMD), Crowther Multihulls, and International Catamaran Designs (Incat). These companies license their design to boat builders here in the states. For example, Dakota Creek (Washington State) builds ferryboats based on the AMD design and an example is the Del Norte, which is one of the fastest ferries on the Bay. Bay Ship & Yacht (located right here in the Bay Area) is licensed to build the Crowther Multihull design. Nichols Brothers (Washington State) builds ferryboats based on the Incat design and Golden Gate Ferries will take delivery of this style boat in July. Another popular design is FBM from Great Britain. The Pequot Indians were licensed to build this design and the boats ferried passengers from New York City to their Indian Gaming Casinos in Connecticut. Hitting the horizon this August in Bradenton, Florida for a run to Key West is Fast Cat BoatWorks’ Multiple Effect Ship (MES). This fast ferry’s hull runs on a cushion of air, has an operating speed of 50 knots, and produces a wake under one foot. If considering an alternative fuel ferryboat that’s designed for sightseeing (slow speed) as opposed to commuting, Captain Cook Cruises in Sydney, Australia has a solar, wind, battery and LNG powered excursion boat. Definitely exciting times for fast ferry design and alternative fuel concepts.

You mentioned wake wash, is there a problem in the Bay Area?

Tough question. I’ve heard of complaints of wake wash damage; but, whether it can be attributed to ferries, ships, tugs, recreational boaters, the weather, or a combination of all these factors is a question to research. The Harbor Safety Committee created a work group, which is the correct forum for dialogue on this potential problem, to discuss the potential for wake wash damage and create manageable solutions. We also will be tackling this possible problem during our programmatic environmental impact studies. One misconception, though, is that higher speeds equate to higher wakes. Different hull designs behave differently under varying speeds. In order to reduce the possibility of wake wash damage all ship and boat operators should determine the operating speed of their craft that produces minimal wake. Believe-it-or-not, the faster some boats travel, the less wake they create.

What will the Safety Plan look like?

The legislation mandated that we combine our efforts with the USCG (US Coast Guard) and CMA (California Maritime Academy) in creating the Safety Plan. Basically, we’ll do a risk assessment on existing safety hazards and risks and any additional potential hazards associated with the proposed extended ferry service routing and boats assigned to those routes. Some of the areas we’ll consider are manning, training, vessel speed, traffic and weather patterns. The research will include simulation modeling and developing recommendations for safety protocols.

Give us the Mary Frances Culnane story.

I’m an East coaster. I grew up in the small railroading community of Lanesboro, Pennsylvania. Population 250 with a Kapra-esque quality. Played piano in the dance band, trumpet in the marching band, point-guard on our undefeated basketball team and catcher for the softball team. Always kept a pet dog, raised rabbits, and spent summers at our cottage on Coxton Lake, a natural glacier lake, where I learned all about recreational boating and tinkering with motors. Life defining moments occurred when I turned eight. During a family vacation we traveled to the Jersey shore and my first glimpse of the ocean was mesmerizing. From there we ventured to the US Military Academy at West Point and the cadets paraded past me dressed in fabulous formal uniforms leaving quite an impression. After that we headed up to the St. Lawrence Seaway where I viewed a foreign ship passing through the Eisenhower Locks with two deckhands hanging out on the fantail waving to me. It was then I knew what my future would hold: ships, the ocean, and uniforms! Luckily, when I graduated from high school in 1976, all the federal academies (West Point, Annapolis, etc.) opened to women. Receiving a Congressional nomination, I attended the US Merchant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, NY and graduated in 1980 with a degree in Marine Engineering and a USCG Third Assistant Engineer license. Packed my duffle bag and ran away to sea. The rest is history. Currently I live South of Market (SOMA) in my maritime décor condo with my teacup poodles Bailey & Beaujolais. My time is filled with collecting maritime antiques and building model ships. I walk to work – the optimum commute. 

Mayor Ralph Appezzato