Wyoming-based maritime investment firm SWITCH Maritime has just secured the Coast Guard’s approval to launch the US‘ first hydrogen-powered vessel for commercial service after almost five years of development.
Sea Change paves the way for clean water transport
According to Business Wire, SWITCH Maritime received the signed Certificate of Inspection (“COI”) by Captain Taylor Q. Lam for its flagship hydrogen ferry named “Sea Change.”
The Sea Change is a 75-passenger catamaran ferry with a hydrogen power system from Zero Emission Industries. It features 360 kW of fuel cells from Cummins and 600 kW of electric motor propulsion from BAE Systems. It also has 100kWh of li-ion batteries.
Captain Lam, currently the US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco commander and Captain of the Port, presented the COI at a ceremony last Friday.
“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. We are immensely grateful for the support from the US Coast Guard and all our partners along the path to completion. This is not the finish line, but just a starting point from which to build many more.”
Pace Ralli, SWITCH CEO
Sea Change to start commercial operation
With the successful attainment of the COI, SWITCH Maritime is now on track to initiate the Sea Change vessel’s commercial operation for green public ferry service.
The hydrogen ferry utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to propel its all-electric motors, enabling up to 300 nautical miles and up to 15 knots speeds. It matches diesel-based vessels’ operational performance.
Moreover, it does not require shoreside charging infrastructure, unlike battery-electric ferries.
It will undergo a six-month pilot service through the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (“WETA”). It benefits from a public-private sponsorship, including the following:
- United
- The Golden State Warriors
- California Air Resources Board
- Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District
- Blue & Gold Fleet
Sea Change production
Sea Change underwent development in Alameda, California at Bay Ship and Yacht, where the company initiated the hull and superstructure fabrication.
It then transferred the Sea Change vessel to the All American Marine in Bellingham, Washington to install key components, including the fuel cells, and hydrogen storage tanks, among others.
SWITCH Maritime will deploy Sea Change into a more permanent route when the pilot finishes.
