US Coast Guard Approves First Hydrogen-Powered Vessel for Commercial Service
Key Ideas
  • SWITCH Maritime's hydrogen ferry, the Sea Change, receives US Coast Guard approval for commercial service, marking a milestone in carbon-neutral vessels.
  • The vessel, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, can operate up to 300 nautical miles with speeds up to 15 knots, offering similar capabilities to diesel-powered ships.
  • The initiative is supported by a public-private partnership including major companies and organizations for a six-month pilot service in San Francisco Bay, aiming to pave the way for carbon-neutral fleet adoption.
  • SWITCH's approach involves bearing regulatory and construction risks for operators, offering a 'hardware-as-a-service' model to accelerate the transition to net-zero vessels in the maritime industry.
SWITCH Maritime, a prominent developer of zero-emission maritime vessels, received the Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the US Coast Guard for their hydrogen-powered ferry, the Sea Change. This approval allows the vessel to begin commercial operations for zero-emission public ferry service, showcasing the feasibility of carbon-neutral ships. The Sea Change utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to power all-electric motors, enabling it to cover transit distances of up to 300 nautical miles at speeds of up to 15 knots. This technology eliminates the need for shore-side charging infrastructure required by battery-only vessels while offering similar operational capabilities to diesel-powered ships. The vessel will undergo a six-month pilot service in the San Francisco Bay Area, supported by a public-private sponsorship that includes several prominent entities. SWITCH aims to drive the adoption of net-zero vessels by assuming regulatory and construction risks for operators and providing a 'hardware-as-a-service' model to facilitate the transition to carbon-neutral fleets. This initiative not only marks a significant step towards sustainable maritime transportation but also sets the stage for future advancements in hydrogen-powered vessels in the US and globally.
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