About Future Marine
Revolutionizing Urban Waterways
Efficient Transportation for People and Small Package Freight
The historic use of canals and waterways for transportation has shaped cities around the world, particularly in Europe, where they form integral parts of urban infrastructure. Cities like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and London have successfully leveraged their waterways for both passenger and freight transport, enhancing mobility while reducing congestion and pollution.
This plan outlines how major North American cities—Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Baltimore, Chicago, and New York—can enhance existing waterways and develop new canals to facilitate sustainable urban transportation using small autonomous ferries.
Objectives
Enhance Urban Connectivity
Establish a reliable and efficient waterway transportation network for people and small package freight.
Environmental Sustainability
Utilize waterways to cool urban landscapes and reduce noise pollution.
Transition to Sustainable Transportation
Promote a shift from car dependence to sustainable transport options through high-frequency, autonomous ferry services.
Historic Context
Historically, canals have been vital for commerce, leisure, and transportation. The extensive canal systems in cities like Amsterdam facilitated trade and provided scenic routes for residents.
The use of canals in European cities demonstrates the potential for revitalizing urban spaces through waterway transport, offering lessons for modern urban planning.
Proposed Waterway Utilization Plan
Vancouver
Utilizing existing waterways
Leverage the Burrard Inlet and False Creek to implement a network of autonomous ferries that connect residential neighbourhoods like Kitsilano with business districts downtown and the University of British Columbia.
Proposed New Canal Development
Propose a new canal linking False Creek to East Vancouver, enhancing connections between residential areas and commercial districts while promoting eco-friendly transport.
Seattle
Utilizing existing waterways
Utilize Lake Washington and Puget Sound to establish high-frequency ferry services that link neighbourhoods such as Ballard and West Seattle with the downtown core and major employment hubs.
Proposed New Canal Development
Develop a canal connecting Lake Union to South Lake Union, creating a direct route for both passenger and freight transport between tech hubs and residential neighbourhoods.
San Francisco
Utilizing existing waterways
Capitalize on San Francisco Bay and the surrounding waterfront to create a system of autonomous ferries, connecting the Financial District with neighbourhoods like Mission Bay and South Beach.
Proposed New Canal Development
Investigate the feasibility of a new canal system that links the Bayview-Hunters Point with downtown, providing a waterway connection to underserved areas.
Baltimore
Utilizing existing waterways
Use the Inner Harbour and Patapsco River to develop a network of ferries that connect various neighbourhoods, promoting access to the waterfront and reducing road congestion.
Proposed New Canal Development
Create canals that connect the Inner Harbour with surrounding neighbourhoods, enhancing accessibility and promoting waterfront activities.
Chicago
Utilizing existing waterways
Harness the Chicago River and Lake Michigan to implement autonomous ferries, linking neighbourhoods such as Lincoln Park and the West Loop with downtown and major attractions along the lakefront.
Proposed New Canal Development
Design a new canal system that links the South Side to the downtown area, fostering economic development and improving access to jobs.
New York
Utilizing existing waterways
Expand the NYC Ferry service using autonomous vessels on the East River and Hudson River, connecting boroughs and neighbourhoods with frequent, reliable service.
Proposed New Canal Development
Develop new canals in underutilized areas of Brooklyn and Queens to enhance connectivity and promote local businesses.
Environmental Benefits
Cooling Urban Landscapes
Waterways naturally regulate temperatures, contributing to a cooler urban environment. The presence of water can mitigate the urban heat island effect, promoting a healthier atmosphere.
Reducing Noise Pollution
Waterborne transportation generates far less noise than road traffic. By promoting ferry services, cities can significantly decrease noise levels, creating quieter, more pleasant urban spaces.
Enhancing Biodiversity
Waterways can support local ecosystems, providing habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species. The integration of green spaces along canals can encourage biodiversity and improve the quality of life for residents.
Our Goals
Increase Accessibility
By connecting residential neighbourhoods with employment centres, recreational areas, and commercial districts, the ferry system will enhance mobility options for all residents.
Reduce Traffic Congestion
By providing a viable alternative to road transport, the increased use of ferries will alleviate congestion on city streets.
Promote Sustainable Transportation
This initiative aligns with global sustainability goals by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional car travel.
The Audacious Goal
Transforming Urban Transportation
The vision of utilizing small autonomous ferries for both people and freight represents an audacious shift in urban transportation. The goal is to provide high-frequency service to hundreds of destinations within metropolitan areas, facilitating business and personal travel.
Implementation Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with local governments, businesses, environmental organizations, and community groups to build support and identify specific needs.
Pilot Programs
Launch pilot ferry services in select neighbourhoods to demonstrate the effectiveness of autonomous waterway transport, gather data, and refine operations.
Funding and Financing
Explore various funding sources, including federal and regional grants, public-private partnerships, and environmental impact bonds to support the development of ferry systems and canal construction.
Regulatory Framework
Work with federal authorities to establish regulations and safety standards for autonomous waterway transport, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
In Conclusion
Utilizing waterways for urban transportation presents an innovative and sustainable approach to addressing the challenges of congestion, pollution, and urban mobility. By leveraging existing waterways and constructing new canals, North American cities can create a transformative transportation network that reduces dependence on cars while enhancing urban livability. This audacious goal not only promotes sustainable practices but also revitalizes urban spaces, making cities more connected, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
