SWITCH Maritime's Ambitious Hydrogen-Powered Ferry Project in San Francisco
Key Ideas
- SWITCH Maritime, in collaboration with Norwegian partners, is embarking on the construction of a zero-emission DNV-classed RoPax vehicle ferry powered by liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel.
- The company's first hydrogen-powered vessel, the Sea Change, has been successfully operating in San Francisco since July 2024, demonstrating the feasibility and safety of hydrogen fueling.
- SWITCH plans to transition from gaseous hydrogen storage to cryogenic liquid hydrogen for larger vessels like ferries and tugs to meet increasing energy demands and refueling speeds.
- The upcoming RoPax vehicle ferry in San Francisco will operate on LH2, emitting only pure water vapor, showcasing the potential for sustainable maritime transportation in the region.
SWITCH Maritime, based in San Francisco, is moving forward with an ambitious project to construct a zero-emission RoPax vehicle ferry powered by liquid hydrogen (LH2) fuel, in collaboration with Norwegian partners LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin. This vessel, based on an existing design successfully operating in Norway, represents a significant step towards sustainable maritime shipping in the U.S. The company's first hydrogen-powered vessel, the Sea Change, has been serving passengers in San Francisco Bay since July 2024, proving the viability and safety of hydrogen fueling. SWITCH is also working on a larger catamaran ferry for the SF Bay Ferry service, indicating its commitment to expanding its zero-emission fleet. To meet the energy demands of larger vessels, SWITCH plans to shift from gaseous to cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage. This transition will enable faster refueling speeds and cater to vessels like the upcoming 300+ passenger RoPax ferry. The RoPax ferry, which will operate at 14 knots, is expected to require refueling only once a week, showcasing the efficiency of LH2 fueling. By vaporizing LH2 stored in cryogenic tanks onboard, the vessel will generate electricity for its electric motors, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. The vessel's design is based on the successful MF Hydra in Norway, which has been operating on LH2 since March 2023 without any service interruptions. SWITCH's innovative approach to hydrogen-powered ferries demonstrates a positive outlook on the future of sustainable maritime transportation in San Francisco and beyond.