The world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered entirely by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells made its grand debut in San Francisco on Friday, signaling a significant step forward in environmentally friendly transportation.
World’s First Entirely Hydrogen-Powered Ferry Welcomes Passengers on July 19 in San Francisco Bay. https://t.co/A3aZIvtzlU #maritime #ferry #zeroemission #SFBay Photo credit: Michael Hoban pic.twitter.com/kGqfLeLrCo
— Keith Malone (@ANativeAngeleno) July 13, 2024
The MV Sea Change, a 70-foot catamaran, is capable of carrying 75 passengers. This groundbreaking vessel is set to begin operations on July 19, offering free rides for six months between the San Francisco Ferry Terminal and Pier 41. Jim Wunderman, CEO and President of the Bay Area Council, remarked on the significance of this development, stating, “San Francisco is a pioneer in many fields, especially environmental stewardship. It’s fitting that we lead the way in clean ferry transit. Historically, water transit has faced criticism for pollution, but with zero-emission boats, we can leave that behind. Even our clean diesel boats can’t compare to the environmental benefits of this technology.”
In addition to the launch of the MV Sea Change, further advancements in green technology are on the horizon. The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Company is in the process of converting its fleet to fully electric vessels. This shift was solidified on Friday when operators signed an agreement with a New Zealand firm to design and build an entirely new vessel. This move aligns with the California Air Resources Board’s mandate that all short-distance ferries be emissions-free by the end of 2025.
The development and deployment of the MV Sea Change were made possible through a combination of grants and partnerships. SWITCH Maritime owns the vessel, and its creation was supported by a grant from the California Air Resources Board. Additionally, the project garnered support from various sponsors and partners, including San Francisco Bay Ferry, Blue & Gold Fleet, Chevron New Energies, United Airlines, and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District.
Today, we gathered with partners and local officials to celebrate the launch of Sea Change, the world’s first passenger ferry powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells! Press release: https://t.co/zT2iOQbSbt pic.twitter.com/k0PlYK7Bk0
— San Francisco Bay Ferry (@SFBayFerry) July 12, 2024
Joe Pratt, CEO of Zero Emission Industries, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, saying, “We’re thrilled to supply the hydrogen system that powers this ferry. The only byproduct is pure water, so clean you can drink it. In fact, there’s a drinking fountain on board, and I encourage everyone to give it a try.”
The introduction of the MV Sea Change represents a monumental step towards sustainable maritime transportation. The ferry’s hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water being the only emission. This technology not only eliminates harmful pollutants but also sets a new standard for the maritime industry.
The MV Sea Change isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s also a symbol of San Francisco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the city continues to lead in various environmental initiatives, the launch of this zero-emission ferry underscores the importance of adopting clean technologies in all areas of transportation.
Moreover, the transition to zero-emission ferries is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. With the California Air Resources Board’s 2025 deadline for emissions-free short-distance ferries, other ferry operators will likely follow suit, accelerating the shift towards greener alternatives.
📣 A few weeks ago @MarineMoney in NYC I met Pace Ralli the Founder/CEO of @switchmaritime who mentioned Switch was launching a #hydrogen fuel cell #ferry in SF. ⛴️ Today is launch day and I’m on my way! pic.twitter.com/FZycYqKg4B
— Susan Sakmar (@SusanSakmar) July 12, 2024
Major Points:
- The MV Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered entirely by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, was unveiled in San Francisco.
- The 70-foot catamaran, accommodating 75 passengers, will offer free rides between the San Francisco Ferry Terminal and Pier 41 for six months starting July 19.
- The Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry Company is converting its fleet to fully electric vessels, in line with the California Air Resources Board’s mandate for emissions-free short-distance ferries by 2025.
- The development of MV Sea Change was supported by a grant from the California Air Resources Board and partnerships with various sponsors, including San Francisco Bay Ferry, Chevron New Energies, and United Airlines.
- Joe Pratt, CEO of Zero Emission Industries, highlighted that the ferry’s hydrogen system produces only pure water as a byproduct, which is drinkable and available via a drinking fountain on board.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News