The US Coast Guard has approved the country's first hydrogen-fueled ferry for commercial service. SWITCH Maritime's flagship vessel, the Sea Change, will begin operations in the San Francisco Bay Area later this year, marking a historic advancement in maritime transportation.
The Coast Guard recently handed SWITCH Maritime the signed Certificate of Inspection (COI). The ceremony took place aboard the Sea Change itself, with Captain Taylor Q. Lam, the US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco commander, officially handing over the COI to SWITCH Maritime CEO Pace Ralli.
The certificate ultimately enables the vessel to start commercial operations.
All About Sea Change, the First Commercial Hydrogen-Fueled Ferry in US
The Sea Change is a 75-passenger catamaran ferry equipped with a state-of-the-art hydrogen power system developed by Zero Emission Industries. It features 360kW fuel cells from Cummins and 600kW electric motor propulsion from BAE Systems.
According to Switch Maritime, the ferry can travel up to 300 nautical miles at speeds of up to 15 knots, matching the operational capabilities of traditional diesel-powered vessels but without the negative environmental impact.
After its formal launch in June, the Sea Change will undergo a six-month pilot service operated by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA).
The project is supported by a public-private sponsorship that includes the NBA's Golden State Warriors, California Air Resources Board, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, and other funding partners.
Following its initial demonstration period, the company wants to put the Sea Change to a more permanent ferry route. Pace Ralli emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that the COI represents years of collaboration with the US Coast Guard and a crucial step forward for carbon-neutral maritime vessels.
He also pointed out that this achievement is just the beginning, with plans to develop larger and faster hydrogen ferries for the San Francisco Bay and other major markets.
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Sea Change Built at the All American Marine Shipyard
The Sea Change was constructed at the All American Marine shipyard in Bellingham, Washington. It received significant financial backing, including a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board, administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
This funding is part of California Climate Investments, a state initiative aimed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing public health and the environment.
The project secured the first-ever loan guarantee from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Climate Tech Finance program, which is designed to hasten the adoption of emerging climate technologies.
This guarantee allowed SWITCH Maritime to secure $5 million in commercial financing from KeyBank and subsequently raise equity funds from Nexus Development Capital, facilitating the successful completion of the project.
"This COI represents the culmination of years of close collaboration with the US Coast Guard and a significant milestone for the maritime industry, demonstrating the viability of carbon-neutral vessels," Ralli said in a press statement. "We are immensely grateful for the support from the US Coast Guard and all our partners along the path to completion."
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