Wärtsilä has secured a contract to provide propulsion systems for three all-electric high-speed ferries set to operate in San Francisco Bay, marking the first deployment of such vessels in the United States. The contract is held with All American Marine (AAM) on behalf of San Francisco Bay Ferry, California’s largest public ferry operator.
The three zero-emission ferries are a key component of the Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, designed to offer sustainable transit between Treasure Island and Mission Bay—two rapidly growing neighborhoods—and the Downtown San Francisco ferry hub.
Wärtsilä will collaborate with the REEF project team to finalize vessel and charging system concepts. The Finnish technology provider will supply a comprehensive propulsion package including the energy and power management system (EPMS), integrated automation system (IAS), batteries, DC Hub, transformers, electric motors, and shore power supply.
The initial vessel concept was developed by Aurora Marine Design specifically for San Francisco Bay Ferry, with detailed design handled by Teknicraft, ensuring compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Subchapter T standards. The ferries will be 100 feet in length with a 26-foot beam and a 5.9-foot draft, capable of transporting passengers at speeds up to 24 knots powered by dual 625-kilowatt electric motors.
Wärtsilä, known for manufacturing and servicing power systems in marine and energy sectors, recently supplied plug-in hybrid propulsion systems for two ferries operated by Scandlines. The company’s involvement in electric ferry propulsion reflects growing international momentum toward maritime electrification.
In South America, Wärtsilä is providing propulsion for a 130-meter vessel set to begin operation this year between Argentina and Uruguay for shipping company Buquebus. Meanwhile, smaller electric ferries are being introduced globally by various companies focused on zero-emission marine transport.