San Francisco Bay Ferry this week celebrated the commissioning of MV Zalophus, the agency’s newest high-speed passenger ferry and the 19th vessel in its fleet.
The new ferry was funded in part by Regional Measure 1 (RM 1), which is administered by MTC's Bay Area Toll Authority. The total project cost was $19.3 million with bridge tolls (RM 1 and AB664) covering about 18% or $3.5 million.
MV Zalophus follows MV Karl, which entered service in spring 2025. The vessels are the nation’s cleanest high-speed, high-capacity passenger ferries and are powered by four U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 engines equipped with diesel particulate filters.
MV Zalophus’ name was nominated by 2nd grader Reed Marvin, who attends Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy in Livermore. He chose the name because it is the scientific name of the California sea lion, famous in the Bay. The name was voted on by the public and approved by SF Bay Ferry’s Board of Directors.
Like its predecessor, MV Zalophus has a seating capacity of 320, a fully enclosed upper deck area, bike storage and an expansive bar layout. The vessel has a top speed of 36 knots when all four engines are in operation.
MV Zalophus has begun service on the Vallejo route and is compatible with all SF Bay Ferry routes. As the fourth vessel in the Dorado class and the last diesel vessel to be commissioned into service, MV Zalophus marks an important transition into the next phase for SF Bay Ferry.
The agency is currently undergoing a transition to zero-emission technology for new short run and existing transbay routes. The effort includes terminal electrification and the construction of the nation’s first high-speed, battery-electric passenger ferries. The first five vessels are currently under construction and expected to enter service in early 2027.
San Francisco Bay Ferry is a regional public transit agency tasked with developing, operating and expanding ferry service on the San Francisco Bay and with coordinating the water transit response to regional emergencies. The agency operates ferry routes connecting the cities of Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco, South San Francisco and Vallejo.
San Francisco Bay Ferry and MTC are transportation partners.
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