Transportation

First hydrogen passenger ferry ready to ply San Francisco Bay

Hydrogen ferry
SF Bay Ferry photo

The Motor Vessel Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered 100% by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells, made its public debut on San Francisco Bay, Friday.

The vessel will begin service to the public on July 19, offering free transportation between Pier 41 and the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The service will be operated by San Francisco Bay Ferry’s contract operator, Blue & Gold Fleet. 

Hydrogen ferry
MTC Commissioners Gina Papan (Cities of San Mateo County) and Dina El-Tawansy
(California State Transportation Agency) on board the Sea Change, Friday.
Joey Kotfica

MV Sea Change is a 70-foot, 75-passenger catamaran ferry featuring an integrated hydrogen power system and a top speed of 15 knots, with a service speed of 8-12 knots. 

“California is a global leader in the fight against the climate crisis, pioneering new technologies to ramp up clean energy and cut pollution — that’s why the zero-emission Sea Change is so exciting,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “I’m proud of our state’s role in advancing these innovations, and of our state’s public and private sector partners for bringing them to market and demonstrating their viability.”

As part of the public-private partnership, it 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. The project is supported in part by $929,000 in Regional Measure 3 (RM3) operating funds.

Hydrogen ferry
Onboard water dispenser, which utilizes the Sea Change's vapor, making it the only vessel in the world with drinkable emissions.
Joey Kotfica

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 vessel is owned by SWITCH Maritime, and was developed by the company with support from a grant provided by the California Air Resources Board

According to the Congressional Budget Office, transportation is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. 

The Sea Change is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

Hydrogen ferry
Joey Kotfica

“Providing access to this world-first technology for the thousands of future Sea Change passengers is a key step toward protecting the environment,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of the San Francisco Bay Ferry Board of Directors. “We have worked hard alongside our partners to make this groundbreaking ferry a reality, but it will be the passengers who bring it to life.”

The demonstration service partners include Chevron New Energies; the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District; and United Airlines.

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