The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) approved the initial design for the California Coastal Research Vessel (CCRV), a groundbreaking hydrogen-hybrid research vessel that will join UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography fleet. The CCRV will leverage a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system to operate emissions-free for 75% of its journeys, focusing on California research missions related to oceanography, climate change, and coastal ecosystem protection. This innovative step aligns with California's efforts to reduce climate risks and transition to a carbon-neutral economy. The vessel, replacing the Robert Gordon Sproul Research Vessel, will offer hands-on learning opportunities for students with advanced instruments like acoustic Doppler current profilers and seafloor mapping systems. ABS and the US Coast Guard worked with Glosten to ensure regulatory compliance for the CCRV, which is pivotal for fostering hydrogen usage in the maritime industry. With a $35 million allocation from California State legislators and support from the Department of Energy's hydrogen hubs initiative, the vessel symbolizes a move towards sustainable maritime research and education. Governor Gavin Newsom commended the project as a testament to California's commitment to clean energy innovation, reflecting its leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable practices.