The U.S. Coast Guard has granted approval for the maiden voyage of a groundbreaking hydrogen-fueled vessel, marking a significant advancement in maritime innovation. The hydrogen ferry, named ‘Sea Change,’ developed by SWITCH Maritime, utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to power its motors, enabling it to travel up to 300 nautical miles at speeds of up to 15 knots. Following the approval, the ferry will undergo a rigorous six-month trial period.
Pace Ralli, CEO of SWITCH, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to this milestone: “This COI represents the culmination of years of close collaboration with the US Coast Guard and a significant milestone for the maritime industry, demonstrating the viability of carbon-neutral vessels. We are immensely grateful for the support from the US Coast Guard and all our partners along the path to completion. This is not the finish line, but just a starting point from which to build many more.”
The Sea Change project was made possible through a public-private partnership, with key contributions from the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), California Air Resources Board (CARB), United Airlines, Golden State Warriors basketball team, Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District, and Blue & Gold Fleet. The vessel, constructed in Bellingham, Washington State, features accommodations for up to 75 passengers and is equipped with a fuel cell drive from Zero Emission Industries.
The approval of the Sea Change represents a significant step forward in the maritime industry’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable practices. The successful implementation of hydrogen fuel cells in commercial vessels could pave the way for a cleaner, more environmentally friendly future for maritime transportation.
