NEWS RELEASE - March 1, 2009
Media Contact: Stefan Merkl 415 901-5256 smerkl@redandwhite.com
Sustainable Tourism on San Francisco Bay
Red and White Fleet embraces environmentally sustainable practices
San Francisco – Feb 16, 2009 – The historic Red and White Fleet®, San Francisco’s original provider of bay tours since 1892, is proud to embrace environmentally sustainable business practices.
While Red and White’s efforts may not be evident to visitors, the family-owned fleet has been honored with the State of California's prestigious environmental WRAP award for more than 7 consecutive years. In addition, the company has enthusiastically led a number of initiatives that have both significantly reduced diesel emissions from its marine fleet and contributed to the use of alternative fuels in the marine industry. Among these initiatives are:
- Re-powering of the company's four vessels with new marine diesels that produce between 33%-50% less emissions than the original engines. The remodel with electronically controlled Tier 1 engines, which were new to the marine industry and offered the promise of applying dual fuel technology, occurred as early as 1999.
- Spear-heading a jointly sponsored project with the Federal Maritime Administration to conduct a feasibility study evaluating the effectiveness of converting one of the company's vessels to dual fuel (CNG and diesel) in 2000.
- Independently running an alternative fuel trial with PuriNox, an emulsified diesel product supplied by Lubrizol that has been certified by the California Air Resources Board to reduce NOx by 14% and particulate matter by 63%
- Working with the Port and City of San Francisco as well as World Energy, Blue Water Network, and Cytoculture to bring Biodiesel to the San Francisco waterfront for industrial use
- Fostering relationships between fuel technology providers such as Power Research Inc. and World Energy that have led to further gains in emissions reduction technology
- Continuing to utilize a fuel additive that both increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
- Operating four 450 passenger vessels on B20, a 20% blend of biodiesel with #2 ultra low sulfur diesel
Currently, the Red and White Fleet conducts insitu emissions tests with B20 on its new Tier II engines in conjunction with the California Air Resources Board. The results of this testing will likely influence the ARB views on biodiesel’s use in complying with the new Harborcraft Rules in California.
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CRUISE INFORMATION
Founded in 1892, the family-owned Red and White Fleet is legendary for its San Francisco Cruises. The company is committed to environmental sustainability, supporting community education and the preservation of San Francisco's unique history and offering a fun and spectacular San Francisco experience to visitors from around the world. For more information, call 415 673-2900 or visit www.redandwhite.com.
The 1-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise®, San Francisco's only cruise with award-winning audio in 8 languages, departs 8 - 14 times daily from Pier 43 ½ on Fisherman's Wharf, at the foot of Taylor Street. Tickets: Adult (18-61) $21; Senior (62+) $18; Youth (12-17) $18; and Child (5-11) $14. The Red and White Fleet also offers the California Sunset Cruise®, a relaxed 2-hour twilight sail with a light buffet, from April to October, departing from Pier 43 ½. Tickets: Adult (18+) $48; and Youth (5-17) $33. The 90-minute Ferry Building Line Cruise®, offering exciting tours of San Francisco's Natural History, Architecture, and the Native American Experience, sails year around from the Ferry Building, Gate E, downtown San Francisco. Tickets: Adult (18+) $39; and Youth (5-17) $26.
For TICKETS and information: 415 673-2900, departure piers, or www.redandwhite.com. Children under age five ride free. Prices include all taxes, gratuities and fees. Major credit cards accepted. Easy access by public transportation. All vessels available for private charters. Group rates available for 15 or more guests. Snacks and beverages are available on all vessels.
Media Contact: Stefan Merkl (415) 901-5256.
