The Sea Change, a hydrogen-powered catamaran ferry, has received clearance from the US Coast Guard to commence commercial operations in the Bay Area. Developed by SWITCH Maritime, this groundbreaking vessel is set to revolutionize public ferry services with its environmentally friendly propulsion system.
The Sea Change represents a pivotal advancement in sustainable transportation, equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that power its all-electric motors. These cells enable the ferry to travel up to 300 nautical miles (approximately 345 miles) at speeds of up to 15 knots (17 mph) without requiring shoreside charging infrastructure. This innovation marks a significant leap towards reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry.
Pace Ralli, CEO of SWITCH Maritime, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the project’s future. “We are immensely grateful for the support from the US Coast Guard and all our partners along the path to completion,” Ralli said. “This is not the finish line, but just a starting point from which to build many more.”
Technical Specifications and Launch Details
Constructed at the All-American Marine shipyard in Bellingham, Washington, the Sea Change is a 75-passenger catamaran featuring an integrated hydrogen power system from Zero Emission Industries. The vessel boasts 360 kW of fuel cells from Cummins and 600 kW of electric motor propulsion from BAE Systems, ensuring robust and reliable performance.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ferry Name | Sea Change |
| Developer | SWITCH Maritime |
| Approval Date | May 23, 2024 |
| Operating Area | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Pilot Service Start | June 2024 |
| Duration of Pilot Service | 6 months |
| Permanent Route | Planned after pilot service |
| Passenger Capacity | 75 passengers |
| Travel Distance | Up to 300 nautical miles (345 miles) |
| Speed | 16 knots (18.4 mph/29.6 kph) Upto 20 knots (23 mph/37 kph) |
| Construction Location | All American Marine shipyard, Bellingham, Washington |
| Fuel Cell System | 360 kW from Cummins |
| Electric Propulsion System | 600 kW from BAE Systems |
| Hydrogen Storage | 242 kg tanks at 250 bar from Hexagon Purus |
| Fuel Supply Partner | West Coast Clean Fuels |
| Annual Hydrogen Supply | 50,000 kg of green hydrogen |
| Funding | $10 million in Series A funding |
| Public-Private Partnership Sponsors | Golden State Warriors, California Air Resources Board ($3 million grant) |
| Future Plans | Development of larger ferries (150, 350, and 450-passenger capacity) |
| CEO Quote | “This is not the finish line, but just a starting point from which to build many more.” – Pace Ralli |
| Environmental Impact | Zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered ferries |
| Managing Authority for Pilot | San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) |
The catamaran also includes 242-kg hydrogen storage tanks at 250 bar from Hexagon Purus and 100-kWh XALT Li-ion batteries, forming a comprehensive zero-emission propulsion system. West Coast Clean Fuels has committed to supplying the ferry with approximately 50,000 kg of green hydrogen annually, with the first refueling conducted on November 18, 2021.
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Following a formal launch event in June, the Sea Change will commence a six-month pilot service operated by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). This pilot is funded through a public-private partnership, including a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board and sponsorship from the Golden State Warriors. The ferry is expected to transition to a permanent route after the pilot phase, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel-powered ferries.
SWITCH Maritime has ambitious plans beyond the Sea Change. The company is already developing new designs for larger and faster ferries tailored for San Francisco Bay and other major US and international ferry markets. Future projects include 150-, 350-, and 450-passenger fuel-cell vessels, aiming to replace carbon-intensive fleets with zero-emission alternatives.
The approval of the Sea Change marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the maritime industry. Hydrogen fuel cells produce zero emissions, offering a cleaner alternative to diesel engines that traditionally power ferries. This innovation not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also lowers the overall environmental footprint of marine transportation.
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The successful integration of hydrogen technology into a commercial ferry service sets a precedent for future maritime projects. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. The Sea Change exemplifies how technological advancements can meet these demands, paving the way for a greener future in maritime transport.
Founded in 2018, SWITCH Maritime is dedicated to developing zero-emission vessels that can replace traditional diesel-powered ferries. The company raised $10 million in Series A funding last year to support its mission. This financial backing underscores the growing investor interest in sustainable maritime solutions.
Pace Ralli highlighted the broader vision of SWITCH Maritime, emphasizing the importance of innovation and collaboration. “The Sea Change is a testament to what can be achieved through partnership and dedication to sustainability,” Ralli said. “We are committed to leading the charge in transforming the maritime industry for a cleaner future.”
