SWITCH Maritime Receives Certificate of Inspection for Hydrogen Ferry Sea Change in San Francisco
Key Ideas
  • SWITCH Maritime, a leader in zero-emission maritime vessels, received a Certificate of Inspection for its hydrogen ferry, Sea Change, from the US Coast Guard in San Francisco.
  • The Sea Change, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, can operate for up to 300 nautical miles at speeds of up to 15 knots, with capabilities comparable to diesel-powered vessels.
  • The project received support from various stakeholders including the US Coast Guard, WETA, Chevron, United, and the California Air Resources Board, marking a significant milestone for the maritime industry's transition to carbon-neutral fleets.
  • SWITCH's innovative 'hardware-as-a-service' model aims to accelerate the adoption of net-zero vessels by offering leasing options to operators, with plans for larger hydrogen ferries in major markets.
SWITCH Maritime, a prominent developer of zero-emission maritime vessels, was recently awarded the Certificate of Inspection (COI) for its flagship hydrogen ferry, the Sea Change, by the US Coast Guard in San Francisco. The COI ceremony marked a significant milestone for the maritime industry, showcasing the feasibility of carbon-neutral vessels and the potential for hydrogen technology in maritime transport. The Sea Change ferry utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to power its all-electric motors, enabling it to travel distances of up to 300 nautical miles at speeds of 15 knots. This technology eliminates the need for shoreside charging infrastructure, providing operational capabilities similar to diesel-powered vessels. The vessel has now been approved for commercial operation for zero-emission public ferry service, with a pilot service to be operated by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). Multiple stakeholders, including the US Coast Guard, WETA, Chevron, United, and the California Air Resources Board, have contributed to the project's success. The Sea Change project received funding from various sources, including a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board and additional financing secured through partnerships with organizations like KeyBank and Nexus Development Capital. SWITCH Maritime's innovative approach involves assuming regulatory and construction risks for operators and offering leasing options for new vessels post-completion. This 'hardware-as-a-service' model aims to facilitate the transition to carbon-neutral fleets in the maritime industry. Additionally, SWITCH is actively developing designs for larger hydrogen ferries in San Francisco Bay and other key ferry markets. The Sea Change project's integrated hydrogen power system, developed by Zero Emission Industries and featuring fuel cells from Cummins and electric motor propulsion from BAE Systems, highlights the collaboration between industry leaders in advancing green technology. The project's funding sources, including grants and loan guarantees, demonstrate a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability in maritime transport.
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