Hydrogen-fuelled ferry receives US approval to enter commercial service

US-based zero-emission vessel developer SWITCH Maritime has received approval from the US Coast Guard for its hydrogen-powered small ferry to operate in the San Francisco Bay area.

PHOTO: SWITCH Maritime's ferry, Sea Change. SWITCH Maritime

The 75-passenger capacity ferry, Sea Change, is equipped with 360 kilowatt (Kw) hydrogen fuel cells and 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion batteries that power all-electric motors for a transit distance of up to 300 nautical miles at a maximum speed of 15 knots. It can store up to 250 kg of hydrogen in gaseous form on the top deck.

The ferry will start commercial operation in June, SWITCH Maritime said. Initially, it will be operated for a six-month pilot service by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), the company added.

“After the initial demonstration period, SWITCH will put the vessel into a more permanent ferry route,” it said. The vessel's development has been partially funded by a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Fuel cells powered by hydrogen can help to decarbonise smaller vessels and boats. But fuel cells have not yet achieved a technological breakthrough to power large ocean-going vessels.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

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