SWITCH Maritime has announced that its hydrogen-powered ferry will begin commercial operations in San Francisco Bay this week. The project has been developed in collaboration with both public and private sector partners, including the participation of San Francisco Bay Ferry. The official launch of the MV Sea Change is scheduled for July 19, and will offer free service between Pier 41 and the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal.
SWITCH Maritime’s hydrogen-powered ferry
The 70-foot MV Sea Change has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including 360 kW of PEM fuel cells provided by Cummins. This design allows the ferry to reach a maximum speed of 15 knots and can cover a distance of up to 300 miles, all while carrying up to 75 passengers.
This development was made possible with the support of the California Air Resources Board(CARB) and several influential partners such as Chevron New Energies, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District and United Airlines. Blue & Gold Fleet, the operator contracted by San Francisco Bay Ferry, will operate the vessel.
The implementation of the Sea Change MV is part of a six-month pilot test, following which SWITCH may consider integrating it more permanently into its fleet. This step was preceded by U.S. Coast Guard approval in May 2024, which facilitated its entry into commercial service.
“Sea Change serves as a concrete example of how government and the private sector can collaborate to prove the commercial viability of hydrogen and increase confidence in this alternative energy source.”
Austin Knight, vice president of hydrogen at Chevron New Energies.
Interest in hydrogen-powered ferries is not limited to San Francisco. For example, in Norway, construction has begun on two hydrogen-powered construction of two of the world’s largest hydrogen-powered ferries, which will be able to carry 120 cars and 599 passengers, using powerful The world’s largest hydrogen-powered ferries, which will be able to carry 120 cars and 599 passengers using powerful 6,400 kW fuel cells, are under construction.
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Source: H2 View
Photo: SWITCH Maritime
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