Louisiana Department of
Transportation and Development
EBDG has supported Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development with naval architecture and marine engineering services for a variety of projects ranging from new vessel design to repowers to a ferry landing barge design.
Our current design project is for a hybrid-electric passenger vehicle ferry for Cameron Parish, yet to be named. The ferry has an overall length of 190', a beam of 50', and a depth of 13'. The vessel will have the capacity for up to 34 vehicles and meets USCG Subchapter H regulations. One ferry of this design is currently under construction at Thoma-Sea in Lockport, Louisiana.
EBDG’s Scope
EBDG's scope of services for this project included preliminary and contract design of this hybrid-electric passenger vehicle ferry. EBDG will continue to provide technical support services to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as the ferry progresses through construction.
Vessel Particulars
Owner:
Length:
Beam:
Regulatory:
Capacity:
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
190’
50’
USCG Subchapter H
34 Vehicles
Design Features
Our primary design focus was to enhance the vessel's operational safety, capability, and redundancy. Additionally, we integrated features to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ensuring accessibility for passengers with disabilities. EBDG addressed structural fire protection and lifesaving requirements mandated for passenger vessels exceeding 100 gross tons under 46 CFR Subchapters H and W. Our design also encompasses updates for pollution protection, simplified maintenance, and enhancements for safety and environmental impact reduction through emission control.
The ferry will be the first US new-build ferry vessel equipped with the Vard Electro SeaQ® hybrid propulsion system and is designed to operate in a hybrid mode. In this mode the diesel engines will share load with the propulsion batteries whereby the propulsion system will maximize the usage of the battery energy capabilities, resulting in lower exhaust emissions. It will have enhanced maneuvering capabilities provided by the Schottel SRP azimuthing thrusters.