SWITCH Maritime Leads the Way in Liquid Hydrogen Vessel Innovation in the US
Key Ideas
  • SWITCH Maritime, in collaboration with LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin, is advancing the construction of an 80-car, 300-passenger RoPax vehicle ferry powered by liquid hydrogen in the US.
  • The company's current hydrogen-powered vessel, the Sea Change, has been successfully operating in the San Francisco Bay Ferry system, showcasing the feasibility of hydrogen fueling for maritime transportation.
  • By utilizing liquid hydrogen as a fuel source, SWITCH aims to overcome the limitations of battery-only solutions, offering greater range, power, and operational flexibility for larger vessels.
  • The upcoming RoPax ferry design, compliant with DNVGL standards, will utilize cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage to enable efficient refueling practices and zero emissions during operation, setting a new standard for sustainable maritime transportation.
SWITCH Maritime, a US shipowner, is making significant strides in the field of liquid hydrogen vessel technology. Collaborating with LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin from Norway, SWITCH plans to initiate the US construction of an 80-car, 300-passenger RoPax vehicle ferry powered by liquid hydrogen, a technology already successfully implemented in Norway. This project marks a key development in the journey towards zero-emission maritime transportation in the US. Pace Ralli, the Founder & CEO of SWITCH, expressed pride in leading the energy transition in US maritime shipping. The company's first hydrogen-powered vessel, the Sea Change, has been serving passengers in the San Francisco Bay Ferry system since July 2024, showcasing the practicality and efficiency of hydrogen fueling for marine vessels. Utilizing liquid hydrogen offers SWITCH a solution that addresses the limitations of battery-only technologies, providing enhanced range, power, and operational convenience, especially for larger vessels. The upcoming RoPax ferry, designed to DNVGL standards, will feature cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage, enabling efficient fueling processes and ensuring zero carbon emissions during operation. SWITCH's commitment to sustainable maritime transportation extends to future projects, including a 150-passenger catamaran for the SF Bay Ferry service and plans for even larger zero-emissions vessels. By transitioning to cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage for these larger vessels, SWITCH aims to set new benchmarks in environmental responsibility within the maritime industry. Pace Ralli highlighted the collaborative efforts with the US Coast Guard in ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of hydrogen fueling. The technology not only offers environmental benefits but also aligns with existing regulatory frameworks, simplifying the adoption process for hydrogen-powered vessels. The innovative use of liquid hydrogen in marine transportation signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable future, where vessels can operate efficiently with minimal environmental impact. SWITCH Maritime's pioneering projects herald a new era of zero-emission maritime travel in the US, setting a positive example for the industry.
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