World’s First Fully Hydrogen-Powered Ferry Launched In San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay Ferry and public and private sector partners have launched MV Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered entirely by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells.

Beginning July 19, 2024, the vessel will provide free transportation from Pier 41 to the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

The Sea Change marks an essential milestone in the maritime industry’s decarbonization efforts.

The vessel will be part of the San Francisco Bay Ferry network for six months, demonstrating fuel cell technology as a feasible solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

The vessel emits only water vapour, some of which is remineralized and reused in the onboard water fountain, making it the only vessel with drinkable emissions.

The Sea Change is owned by SWITCH Maritime and was developed with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) funding.

Sponsorships from Chevron New Energies, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Highway and Transportation Service, and United Airlines made the demonstration service possible.

Blue & Gold Fleet, the contract operator for the San Francisco Bay Ferry, will manage the service.

Governor Gavin Newsom commended the initiative, stating that California is a global leader in combating climate change and pioneering technologies to increase renewable energy and reduce pollution.

The zero-emission Sea Change is a remarkable development.

Austin Knight, the Vice President of Hydrogen at Chevron New Energies, emphasized the partnership’s significance, stating that the vessel demonstrates commercial viability and increases customers’ confidence in hydrogen.

Hydrogen can be essential in achieving a low-carbon future for public transportation.

The Congressional Budget Office classifies transportation as the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States.

Advances in hydrogen fuel cell technology are critical as 2024 is predicted to be one of the hottest years on record.

The Sea Change is part of California Climate Investments, a state-wide effort that uses cap-and-trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost the economy, and improve public health and the environment.

The Sea Change was built by All American Marine in Bellingham and developed in California.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee took pride in the vessel’s development and operation, stating that the Sea Change is an excellent example of California and Washington collaborating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable future.

Jim Wunderman, Chair of the San Francisco Bay Ferry Board of Directors, emphasized the project’s environmental impact, stating that providing access to this world-first technology for future Sea Change passengers is crucial to protecting the environment.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin, a longtime supporter of Bay Area transit innovation, stated that the Sea Change will be a national model and represent a bold milestone in clean energy transportation and infrastructure.

U.S. Representative Jared Huffman reiterated the Bay Area ferry service’s contribution to green transit innovation.

CARB Chair Liane Randolph praised the initiative’s integration with California Climate Investments, emphasizing its importance in lowering emissions while improving public health.

Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District, and Patrick Murphy, President of Blue & Gold Fleet, both expressed enthusiasm for the project’s ability to switch to carbon-neutral fuel sources.

SWITCH Maritime CEO Pace Ralli expressed enthusiasm for greater investment in the maritime industry’s energy transition by stating that the start of service for the Sea Change marks the beginning of much more active investment in clean energy transportation.

The MV Sea Change is a 70-foot, 75-passenger catamaran ferry powered by Zero Emission Industries’ (ZEI) integrated hydrogen power system.

This system includes 360kW of PEM fuel cells, 100kWh of Li-Ion battery storage, and 600kW of electric motor propulsion, allowing for a top speed of 15 knots and a service speed of 8-12 knots.

Reference: San Francisco Bay Ferry

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