America’s first hydrogen-powered commercial ferry is ready to welcome passengers

The MV Sea Change, the first hydrogen fuel cell ferry in the United States, is scheduled to begin serving the public on July 19 in San Francisco Bay.

Regional public transportation agency San Francisco Bay Ferry and its partners launched the MV Sea Change on July 12, announcing that the vessel will provide free transportation between Pier 41 on the city’s North Waterfront and the ferry terminal in downtown San Francisco.

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

As a reminder, the hydrogen ferry has received approval from the US Coast Guard to enter commercial operations in May 2024.

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

According to San Francisco Bay Ferry, the ship emits only water vapor, some of which is remineralized and used in the onboard water fountain, making it the only ship in the world to emit potable emissions.

The 75-passenger ferry was built by All American Marine for fellow shipowner SWITCH Maritime. The vessel, designed by Incat Crowther, is equipped with hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity to power electric motors that allow the vessel to travel distances of up to 300 nautical miles and reach speeds of up to 20 knots.

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

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

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