Cross Sound Ferry Installs New Air Filtration Systems On Fleet

ORIENT POINT, NY — With an eye toward navigating a steady course during the new normal of the coronavirus pandemic, the Cross Sound Ferry announced this week that it has installed state-of-the art air filtration and purification systems aboard its fleet.

The company has installed Phenomenal AireTM Cold Plasma Generators, or CPG, into the air handlers of all passenger and crew spaces aboard its vessels, which operate between Orient Point and New London, CT, CSF said in a release.

Phenomenal AireTM produces an electric field filled with highly charged ions, which act as a
"natural scrubbing agent for the air passing through the field," the release said. "The scrubbing process, or bipolar ionization, safely disables viruses and other harmful microorganisms. On its website, Phenomenal AireTM touts its system’s bipolar ionization technology in disabling the human coronavirus, 229E, and that similar results are anticipated for COVID-19," the release said.

And that's just one of the measures the ferry company has taken to ensure safe passage: During the pandemic, the CSF has also installed Active Dust Free® air purification systems in the vessels’ HVAC systems.

Cross Sound Ferry also now requires the use of masks or face coverings while on the terminal property and while riding aboard all vessels; has instituted hands-free ticketing; allows passengers to remain in their vehicles during the crossing; and promotes social distancing onboard by marking off seats and booths.

In addition, the company has increased the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing the vessels and terminal buildings; installed additional hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipe stations; and posted notices of the safety measures on reservation confirmations, aboard the vessels and through regular announcements during the trip.

“Customer safety is of utmost importance to us while we operate our vital service during these unprecedented times and circumstances. Besides the increased policies and protocols, we have scoured the marketplace in search of these air purification systems to ensure as best we can the air quality aboard the vessels,” said John P. Wronowski, president and owner of Cross Sound Ferry Services. “We want our customers to feel safe and confident that we are doing all we can to promote their and our crew’s safety while onboard,” he added.

Cross Sound Ferry, a family-owned business launched in 1975 by Wronowski, was deemed an essential service and business and has remained open and operating throughout the pandemic.

"While ridership was drastically low for a roughly two month period during the onset of the pandemic, Cross Sound vowed to keep its service open for those who needed or desired to travel between Connecticut and Long Island," Cross Sound Ferry representative said.

This article originally appeared on the North Fork Patch