Maritime vessel developer SWITCH Maritime received US Coast Guard approval for the first hydrogen passenger ferry in the US to begin commercial operations. The highly anticipated Sea Change is set to commence full service later this year. Switch Maritime, established in 2018, initiated the construction of the Sea Change hydrogen fuel cell passenger ferry in 2019 at an Alameda shipyard.
After being relocated to Bellingham, Washington, for finalization, the ferry underwent sea trials in 2021 and is scheduled for its official launch in August 2023.
The 70-ft catamaran is powered by cutting-edge technology, including 360-kW Cummins fuel cells, 242-kg hydrogen storage tanks from Hexagon Purus, and 600-kW electric propulsion from BAE, along with 100-kWh XALT Li-ion batteries. This advanced system, supplied by Zero Emission Industries, ensures sustainable and efficient operation.
Additionally, West Coast Clean Fuels has committed to supplying around 50,000 kg of green hydrogen to Sea Change annually, further solidifying its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
The newly designed vessel can cover distances of up to 300 nautical miles (345 miles/555 km) without refueling, carry up to 75 passengers per trip, and achieve speeds of up to 15 knots (17.3 mph/27.8 km/h).
With the issuance of a Certificate of Inspection by the US Coast Guard, the ferry is now authorized for commercial passenger service. The Sea Change is set to embark on a 6-month trial in the California Bay Area starting in June, paving the way for the establishment of a permanent ferry route by the company.
Switch secured $10 million in Series A funding at the end of last year to advance its goal of replacing the “carbon-intensive, diesel-powered fleets” of private and municipal ferry operators with zero-emission alternatives. The company has plans to construct 150-, 350-, and 450-passenger fuel-cell vessels in the near future.
