The world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells made its inaugural voyage in July 2024 on San Francisco Bay.
The zero-emission vessel, named Sea Change, is now operating between the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal and Pier 41 as part of a six-month demonstration program.
Sea Change is a 70-foot catamaran capable of carrying up to 75 passengers.
The ferry can travel approximately 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before requiring refuelling.
Its propulsion system includes:
- 360kW of hydrogen fuel cells
- 100kWh lithium-ion battery storage
- Two 300kW (400 hp) electric motors
The vessel can reach a top speed of 22 knots, with a service speed of 8-12 knots.
The maritime industry accounts for nearly 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Sea Change demonstrates the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology to reduce the carbon footprint of marine transportation.
The ferry produces only water vapour as a byproduct, with a portion of the emissions being remineralised and used in an onboard drinking fountain.
The Sea Change project involved collaboration between public and private entities:
- SWITCH Maritime (vessel owner)
- California Air Resources Board (grant provider)
- Chevron New Energies (sponsor)
- Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District
- United Airlines
- San Francisco Bay Ferry (operator)
- Blue & Gold Fleet (contract operator)
This pilot program marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated: “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.”
The success of Sea Change could pave the way for broader adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in marine vessels and port equipment.
As Pace Ralli, CEO of SWITCH Maritime, noted: “This is not just the start of service for the Sea Change, but hopefully also the start of much more active investment in the energy transition of the maritime industry in California and beyond.”
