Flagship Cruises to build two fully electric ferries

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has granted $15.27 million to US cruise operator Flagship Cruises & Events to develop two fully electric ferries.

PHOTO: Flagship Cruises & Events’ fully electric vessel concept. Flagship Cruises & Events

Although these small-scale electric vessels may not drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions right away, they serve an important role in refining technology and operations that could eventually support larger electric vessels.

These battery-powered ferries will operate on the San Diego to Coronado route.

The project is backed by the CARB Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Project grant, part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative funded through California’s Cap-and-Trade program. This system places a limit on emissions and allows companies to buy and sell allowances, creating an incentive to cut pollution. The initiative directs these funds toward projects that benefit the environment, including this effort in collaboration with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD).

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the first ferry set to launch by fall 2026.

“This investment by the State of California in fully electric zero-emission ferries is a critical step toward cleaning our environment and reducing air pollution in San Diego,” said California Assembly member David Alvarez.

However, the company has yet to disclose further details including where the vessels will be built.

By Tuhin Roy

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