

Definitions of Fossil Fuel Emissions

Greenhouse gases: These include carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful emissions resulting from the production and use of fossil fuels. These emissions are the cause of global warming. The effects of this warming can be seen in the melting of the Arctic ice packs with an increase in sea-level which can result in more devastation from hurricanes and coastal storms.

Fine Particles: Better known as Particulate Matter (PM) and more familiar as soot — a deadly form of air pollution that aggravates existing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) are key elements in ozone smog. They can damage living tissue, and can increase the rise of premature mortality. Nitrogen oxides are the prime ingredient in acid rain.

Hydrocarbons (HC) The Hydrocarbons are emitted by fossil fuel consuming vehicles. They are known as “volatile organic compounds.” These pollutants are another major contributor to ozone smog.

Carbon Monoxide (CO). This is a deadly poisonous gas odorless and colorless and when inhaled it impairs the bloods ability to supply oxygen to the body. Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous that most homeowners have carbon monoxide alarms in their homes, alongside their smoke detectors.


GLORY is a 1990 reproduction of a 30 foot Fantail launch originally built by the ELCO company (ELECTRIC LAUNCH COMPANY) for the Chicago Exposition of 1893A 30-foot Fan-Tail launch.

ELCO built electric-powered vessels for customers as diverse as J.P. Morgan, and the Tsar of Russia, until the early 1920’s when the inexpensive cost of fossil fuels made electric power uneconomical.

GLORY operates using 8 state-of-the-art AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries that produce enough power to keep the boat moving for 60 miles. Top speed is 6 knots or about 7mph. The propulsion of GLORY is provided by a 4 H.P. electric motor that runs quietly and produces no fumes. GLORY has a hand laid-up fiberglass hull with an interior of rich mahogany and white oak. The Coast Guard certifies the vessel to carry 14 passengers.

As part of our regular program, young passengers are invited to steer the boat, and over the years children, as young as three years have experienced the thrill of being “captain.” At the conclusion of each cruise all children are rewarded with a token of appreciation presented by the captain.

The Advantages of an Electric-Powered Boat

The 45 minute GLORY harbor tours gives an example of the value and efficiency of operating a tour boat utilizing electric power. Each cruise consumes approximately 2.2 kilowatt hours of electricity. During the day GLORY consumes about 11 kilowatt-hours of electricity over the course of 5 cruises. At about 10 cents per kilowatt-hours it costs GLORY a little more than $ 1.00 per day for fuel costs. Compare that to a small diesel engine that would consume about 2 gallons per hour at about $3.50 per gallon.

By consuming electricity that is produced through solar power GLORY is the only harbor tour boat operating in New York State that produces zero emissions and leaves the environment with no carbon footprint.

By using electrical power Glory produces no greenhouse gases, fine particulars, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Because GLORY operates using electric power none of these dangerous materials are emitted into the atmosphere. GLORY has the unique distinction of being a totally zero emission vessel. The only one of its kind operating under the aegis of the USCG in NY State.




Did You Know?

Had GLORY been powered by a small diesel engine, more than 6,400 gallons of fuel would have been consumed in the past nine years. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this much fuel would have added more than 142,000 pounds of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. Given the increased awareness of global warming, this would have been unacceptable. The irony of an electric-powered boat like GLORY, is that the technology is not new. Electric boats were very popular at the dawn of the 20th century but unfortunately the battery technology was behind the curve. Nowadays, with sophisticated battery technology electric vehicles are much more user-friendly and less expensive to operate. They provide a clean, safe, inexpensive mode of transport.


© Greenport Electric Launch Co. 631.477.2515