The world's first commercial hydrogen passenger ferry, named MV Sea Change, is set to operate on San Francisco Bay as a step towards phasing out diesel-powered ships and reducing carbon emissions. The 21-meter-long catamaran will offer free rides for six months as part of a pilot program starting on July 19. Powered by fuel cells that generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, the ferry can travel 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before requiring refueling. Officials emphasize the potential of hydrogen fuel cells in 'cleaning up' the shipping industry, which contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. While this percentage is lower than emissions from other transportation sectors like cars, trucks, rail, or aviation, there is a growing need for sustainable solutions. Proponents believe that hydrogen fuel cells could also be utilized in the future to power larger ships such as container vessels. The International Maritime Organization aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from commercial shipping by 50% by mid-century. With the increasing focus on combatting climate change, initiatives like the Biden administration's investment of $8 billion to promote clean hydrogen production highlight a shift towards renewable energy sources in the transportation sector. This move towards hydrogen as a power source reflects a broader effort to address global warming and promote environmentally friendly practices in the maritime industry.