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Statue Cruises, a subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises & Events, has signed an agreement with Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to complete the world’s first hybrid ferry using hydrogen fuel by April 2011.

The new 1,400-horsepower Hornblower Hybrid will run on a combination of energy generated by clean Tier 2 diesel engines, hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels and wind turbines. Power will come from a proton exchange membrane fuel cell that turns hydrogen into electricity.

The New York Hornblower Hybrid follows the 2008 launch of the San Francisco Hornblower Hybrid [pictured], the United States’ first hybrid ferry. San Francisco-based Hornblower Cruises & Events created both vessels and operates Statue Cruises, the concessioner authorized by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior to serve the public at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

“By combining hydrogen, solar and wind power, Hornblower will minimize its environmental impact as we transport guests to popular national landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Our goal is to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible, with a goal in the future to eliminate them entirely during a cruising day,” said Terry MacRae, CEO of Statue Cruises and Hornblower Cruises & Events.

“We expect this pioneering project to inspire continued industry innovations. The technology on the Hornblower Hybrid is now scalable for other hybrid ferries, hybrid yachts and even hybrid tugs. Some may say we are at the turning point in modernizing marine technology and Hornblower plans to be leading the way,” added MacRae,

“This is a genuinely breakthrough project, not only for us but for the U.S. marine industry. This boat will produce minimal carbon emissions and sip, rather than guzzle, diesel fuel. Along the way it will help make New York harbor a cleaner, safer and more pleasant place. As a local shipyard, we’re extremely pleased to have this project,” said Gavin Higgins, Derector Vice President for Business Development.

Long-life, low VOC paints will cover the boat’s exterior. Hornblower says it has been testing paints without copper - which impacts water quality and wildlife - as part of an EPA-funded project taking place at the port of San Diego.

To follow this project over the next few months please visit the Hybrid Blog at www.respectourplanet.com