First US hydrogen-fuelled ferry arrives in San Francisco

The first commercial maritime vessel in the US powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cell technology has arrived in San Francisco, San Francisco Chronicle reported on March 13.

The vessel, named Sea Change, will begin taking passengers on rides along the San Francisco waterfront in late spring. The Sea Change is a 70-foot, 75-passenger aluminum catamaran ferry.

The Sea Change project is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, according to the website of its operator, Switch Maritime.

Construction on the Sea Change began in Alameda, California at Bay Ship and Yacht, where fabrication of the hull and superstructure was started. The vessel was then transferred to All American Marine in Bellingham, Washington for the installation of the fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks, other equipment and completion of the vessel build.

Hydrogen will be provided to Sea Change by West Coast Clean Fuels.