Revolutionizing Ferry Transportation: The Future of LH2 Ropax Ferries in the U.S.
Key Ideas
- Switch Maritime plans to construct an 80-car, 300-passenger LH2-powered ferry in the U.S., based on a successful Norwegian design.
- The ferry will operate on liquid hydrogen, carrying 3 metric tons of LH2 for a service speed of 14 knots, refueling only once per week with no shoreside charging needed.
- Hydrogen's high energy density allows for greater range and power, making it an ideal zero-emissions solution for vessels like the ropax ferry.
- Switch Maritime is also developing a 150-passenger GH2-powered catamaran for the San Francisco Bay Ferry service, showcasing the versatility of hydrogen in maritime transport.
Switch Maritime, known for launching the first hydrogen-powered ferry in the U.S., is set to revolutionize ferry transportation with the construction of an LH2-powered vehicle ferry. The collaboration with LH2 Shipping AS and LMG Marin AS aims to bring a successful Norwegian design to the U.S. The 80-car, 300-passenger ferry, termed a ropax for its ro-ro decks, will carry 3 metric tons of LH2, allowing for a service speed of 14 knots and only once-a-week refueling. This innovative approach eliminates the need for shoreside electric charging infrastructure. The steel hull of the ferry offers more space and weight flexibility compared to aluminum designs, making it an ideal platform for LH2 fueling. Through vaporizing LH2 in cryogenic storage tanks onboard, the ferry's proton-exchange membrane fuel cells generate electricity for the motors, resulting in zero emissions except for water vapor. Switch Maritime's focus on hydrogen stems from its ability to overcome limitations of battery-only solutions, offering greater range and power due to hydrogen's high energy density. The company is also working on a GH2-powered catamaran for the San Francisco Bay Ferry service, showcasing the versatility of hydrogen in maritime transport. This shift towards LH2 and GH2 highlights the potential for hydrogen to drive sustainable and efficient operations in the maritime industry.