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Zero-Emission Hydrogen Ferry Demonstration Project

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District and SWITCH Maritime was awarded a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board to build the Sea Change—the nation’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger ferry. Launched in Spring 2023 on San Francisco Bay, the Sea Change demonstrated the viability of zero-emission marine technology, with future applications in freight, government, and research vessels. The project was led by SWITCH Maritime with technology from Zero Emission Industries and support from expert partners. Key milestones included vessel and powertrain design, fuel cell procurement, construction, sea trials, operations testing, data collection, and a feasibility assessment for broader commercialization.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

First-of-its-kind hydrogen fuel cell passenger ferry: 70-foot aluminum catamaran with top speed of 12-knots and a capacity to transport up to 75 passengers
  • Started construction in Alameda, CA, at the Bay Ship & Yacht Shipyard, and was completed at All American Marine Shipyard in Bellingham, WA.
  • The electric propulsion system was provided by BAE Systems.
  • The fuel cell powertrain is comprised of three independent 120 kW fuel cell racks built by Cummins Inc.
  • Zero Emission Industries provided technical management and expertise for the hydrogen systems, and Sandia National Laboratories analyzed data collected from the initial demonstration operations.

Lessons Learned:

  • Plan for Flexibility: Building in extra time and budget helps manage unexpected challenges without derailing progress.
  • Leverage Specialized Expertise: Success depends on involving partners with deep industry knowledge and experience in advanced fuel technologies.
  • Ensure Strong Partner Commitment: A project’s success relies on each partner’s ability to follow through on their commitments.

Status Updates:

  • The vessel has been completed and delivered to SF Bay.
  • The H2 powertrain system has successfully powered the vessel through sea trials for US Coast Guard permitting.
  • The vessel was operated for three months of sea trials to collect performance data and usage information.
  • The project has positively influenced commercialization efforts of zero emission marine technologies around the world.

Technology:

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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: 05/25/2018 – 12/31/2023
  • GRANTEE: Bay Area Air Quality Management District
  • PARTNERS: SWITCH Maritime, Zero Emission Industries, BAE Systems, Cummins, Port of San Francisco, Sandia National Laboratories
  • GRANT NO.: G16-DEMO-05

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $3,000,000
  • Matching Funds: $11,300,000
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $14,300,000

Partners

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