Operational trials have begun for the zero-emission, electric passenger ferry ‘Sea Change’, the first hydrogen fuel cell vessel in the US that will operate in the California Bay Area, representing a monumental step in the US maritime industry’s transition to a sustainable future.
Shipbuilder All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) and the vessel owner SWITCH Maritime announced launch of the 70-foot vessel on Wednesday. The ferry was developed and constructed to demonstrate a pathway to commercialization for zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell marine technologies. While still working on permitting hydrogen fuel systems for maritime vessels with the US Coast Guard, the completed ferry will exhibit the viability of this zero-carbon ship propulsion technology for the commercial and regulatory communities.
The project is funded by private capital from SWITCH, an impact investment platform building the first fleet of exclusively zero-carbon maritime vessels to accelerate the decarbonization and energy transition of the US maritime sector.
By working closely with the US Coast Guard, with innovative technology partners, and with best-in-class shipyards such as All American Marine, we can make the transition to decarbonized shipping a reality today. We don’t have to wait,
…said Pace Ralli, Co-Founder and CEO of SWITCH.
Hydrogen-fuel cell technology will prove to be a robust alternative to conventional powertrain technologies,
…added Ron Wille, AAM President & COO.
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This project has received a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), that comes from California Climate Investments, a California statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Additionally, the project received the first-ever loan guarantee under BAAQMD’s Climate Tech Finance program, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gases by accelerating emerging climate technologies.
