First US commercial hydrogen-powered ferry ready to welcome passengers

MV Sea Change, the first hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry in the United States, is set to begin service to the public on July 19 in San Francisco Bay.

Regional public transit agency San Francisco Bay Ferry and partners launched the MV Sea Change on July 12, announcing the vessel will offer free transportation between Pier 41 on the city’s northern waterfront and the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

San Francisco Bay Ferry’s contract operator, Blue & Gold Fleet, will operate the service.

To remind, the hydrogen-powered ferry received approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to enter commercial operations in May 2024.

The ferry will operate as a part of the San Francisco Bay Ferry network for a six-month demonstration period designed to showcase the application of fuel cell technology as a viable strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

According to San Francisco Bay Ferry, the vessel emits only water vapor, a portion of which is remineralized and used in the onboard water fountain, making it the only vessel in the world with drinkable emissions.

The 75-passenger ferry was built by All American Marine shipyard for the compatriot shipowner SWITCH Maritime. The vessel, designed by Incat Crowther, is fitted with hydrogen-powered fuel cells producing electricity to power electric motors enabling the vessel to sail distances of up to 300 nautical miles and reach speeds up to 20 knots.

The fuel cell power package is provided by Zero Emissions Industries (formerly Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine), comprised of 360 kW of Cummins fuel cells and Hexagon hydrogen storage tanks with a capacity of 246 kg.

This system is integrated with 100 kWh of the lithium-ion battery provided by XALT and a 2×300 kW electric propulsion system provided by BAE Systems.

The Sea Change Project began development in 2018 and the ferry was delivered in August 2021.