Servogear AS31 Aug 20224 min read

The Seastreak 'Wall Street' Fast Ferry and How they Reduced Operational Cost and CO2 Emissions

Q: How much fuel can fast ferries typically save when converting from waterjets to CPP?

In many projects, operators see fuel savings in the range of 20–35% when converting from waterjets to well-optimised CPP systems, depending on hull design, duty cycle and operating profile. In the Seastreak Wall Street case, fuel consumption was reduced by 32%.

Q: Does reducing the number of engines affect reliability?

Reducing the number of engines does not necessarily reduce reliability. In this case, moving from four engines and waterjets to two engines with an integrated CPP system simplified the propulsion train, reduced mechanical complexity and contributed to stable and predictable operation.

Q: How does higher propeller efficiency translate to lower CO2 emissions?

Higher propeller efficiency means more of the engine power is converted into useful thrust and less is wasted. This reduces fuel consumption for the same transport work, which directly lowers CO2 emissions per passenger and per trip.

Q: Is a retrofit like this feasible for older vessels?

Yes. Retrofits from waterjets to CPP are often technically feasible for existing vessels, provided the hull is in good condition and there is sufficient space and structural capacity for shafts, gearboxes and propulsion equipment. A detailed feasibility study is normally carried out before any decision is made.

Q: Can operators expect speed improvements as well as fuel savings?

In many cases, yes. With an integrated propulsion package like Servogear Ecoflow, the combination of optimised propeller design and reduced losses can both decrease fuel consumption and increase speed. On Seastreak Wall Street, full-load speed increased from 32 to 34 knots while installed power was reduced.

Last updated 24 November 2025

Seastreak is a ferry service between New Jersey and New York City, and entered service at the early 2000’s. The fast ferry was originally delivered with four diesel engines and four water jet drives.

Fuel cost has always been one of the most critical cost drivers in high-speed ferry operations. As fuel prices increased and environmental expectations tightened, Seastreak sought a more efficient propulsion concept. This search led them to the Servogear Ecoflow Propulsion System, which provided a step-change in efficiency.

This case study explains how the Seastreak Wall Street achieved:

32% lower fuel consumption
Over USD 500,000 in annual savings
50% lower CO₂ emissions per passenger
Higher top speed despite reduced installed power

Read the Guide: How to select the right propulsion system for your vessel

Understanding Fast Ferry Operations

Before we dig into the details of how Seastreak reduced emissions and operational cost, let’s have a quick look at fast ferries.

Fast Ferries are vessels that transport passenger, and their income is generated from the passengers. A typical fast ferry has a high number of operational hours per year; approximately 5000 hours per year/12 hours per day.

Furthermore, these vessels tend to have multiple berths every single day. Consequently, the vessel requires good maneuverability to reduce the time during berths and must be efficient during high speeds.

The typical operational requirements of a fast ferry is:

4500 hours/year
32 knots
400 Passengers inc luggage and fuel
Payload variation 50 tonnes
Highspeed operation in schedule: 32 knots (80%)
Harbour at slow speed (5-10 knots) (10%)
Harbour, Manouvering: 15 berthings pr day (10%)

Because such a large share of operation occurs at top speed, even small improvements in propulsion efficiency can yield major reductions in OPEX and emissions.

From KaMeWa Jet to Servogear Ecoflow Propulsion

Seastreaks goal was to improve emissions and reduce fuel use by 20% and obtain reduced carbon emissions due to reduced fuel consumption.

To achieve greater fuel efficiency for the Seastreak Wall Street vessel, Servogear did a retrofit and re-powering of the 43 m fast ferry from KaMeWa Jet to Servogear Ecoflow Propulsion (CPP systems). 4x Commins Diesel @ 5700 kW total was replaced with 2x MTU Diesel @ 3700 kW total.

As previously mentioned, it is common for 80% of the operational profile to happen at top speed. This is when the fuel consumption is at its peak. Hence, it is crucial for fast ferries to optimize this part of the operations as much as possible.

In fact, the fuel consumption for a fast ferry can be approximately 50% of the overall OPEX. Not surprisingly, you can thus easily achieve costs-savings of more than 30% through proper optimization.

By replacing and reducing the engines from 4 to 2 there are 2000 kW less engine power. Consequently, the reduction in operational cost is significant. In addition, the Servogear Ecoflow Propulsion system increases the full load speed from 32 to 34 knots.

Servogear Seastreak

As a result of these improvements, fuel consumption is down by 32% which constitutes 500 000 USD/y. CO2 emissions per passenger is halved.

Why the Upgrade Worked

The major efficiency gains came from three factors:

1. Propeller Efficiency at High Speed

Ecoflow CPP systems maintain optimal pitch across the whole envelope, reducing slip and ensuring high thrust efficiency where fuel burn is highest.

2. Reduced Mechanical Losses

Switching from four engines and jets to two engines and CPP reduced mechanical complexity and parasitic losses.

3. Lower Hydrodynamic Resistance

The Servogear system is designed as a fully integrated propulsion package, tuned to hull shape, operating profile, and speed regime.

Conclusion

Seastreak wanted to lower carbon emissions, reduce fuel consumption and consequently their operational cost. By choosing the Servogear Ecoflow Propulsion system, they were able to reach these goals – and move towards a greener future.

How much fuel can fast ferries typically save when converting from waterjets to CPP? Savings commonly range from 20–35%, depending on hull design, load profile, and duty cycle. The Wall Street achieved 32%.

Does reducing the number of engines affect reliability? No. Integrated CPP systems often increase operational reliability thanks to fewer components, lower load per system, and smoother propulsion characteristics.

How does higher propeller efficiency translate to lower CO₂ emissions? Lower fuel burn = lower emissions. Because propulsion is the main consumer of energy on fast ferries, efficiency gains directly reduce CO₂ output.

Is a retrofit like this feasible for older vessels? Yes, retrofits are common. The feasibility depends on hull condition, available space for shafts and gearboxes, and expected service lifetime.

Can operators expect speed improvements as well as fuel savings? In many cases, yes. Optimized propulsion can reduce resistance and increase thrust efficiency, enabling higher speed even with lower engine power.

Cover CTA (innholdstilbud 2) Manoeuvring the propulsion jungle

Servogear AS

Servogear is a leading manufacturer of Controllable Pitch Propeller Systems for high-speed workboats, fast ferries, offshore vessels and yachts. Our tailor made solutions provides our customers with a unique combination of speed and thrust.