Officials in Washington, D.C., are revisiting the idea of implementing a commercial ferry system using electric hydrofoil vessels as a potential solution to the region’s traffic congestion. The concept was explored in a recent feasibility study conducted by the Navy Yard Business Improvement District, which highlighted the potential benefits of deploying electric hydrofoils—boats that rise above the water on underwater wings to reduce drag and increase speed.

Emeka Moneme, president of the Navy Yard Business Improvement District, emphasized the challenges of commuting by car, particularly when traveling from Georgetown to areas east of Capitol Hill. “Our waters are beautiful. We want to use them more,” Moneme said, noting that leveraging the Potomac and Anacostia rivers as transportation corridors could offer an effective alternative to road traffic.

The hydrofoil boats under consideration are electric-powered and designed to produce minimal wake, allowing them to navigate restricted no-wake zones more quickly than traditional ferries or boats. The study identified several potential stops along the service route, including Georgetown, the Wharf, Navy Yard, National Landing near Reagan National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor. The segment between Old Town Alexandria and Navy Yard could be traveled in approximately 20 minutes, according to the report.

While the concept has been discussed in the past, previous attempts to establish a commercial ferry system in the D.C. area did not come to fruition. This latest study has been shared with local government agencies, but officials acknowledge that many logistical questions remain. These include determining which entity would operate the system and how fare structures would be set to make the service viable.

The project remains in the exploratory phase, and no definitive timeline has been announced. Nonetheless, the study’s proponents argue that electric hydrofoil ferries could represent a practical way to reduce commuting times while making better use of the region’s waterways.