San Francisco, CA – The world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry, the MV Sea Change, is set to begin operations on San Francisco Bay starting July 19, 2024. The 70-foot catamaran, capable of transporting up to 75 passengers, will offer free rides along the San Francisco waterfront between Pier 41 and the downtown ferry terminal for the first six months as part of a pilot program.

World’s First Hydrogen Ferry Launches in San Francisco

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Shipping Industry

The launch of the MV Sea Change marks a significant step towards reducing planet-warming carbon emissions and phasing out diesel-powered vessels in the shipping industry. The industry currently produces nearly 3% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, which, while less than other transportation sectors, is still substantial and rising.

Hydrogen fuel cells, which produce electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen in an electrochemical reaction that emits water as a byproduct, could help clean up the shipping industry. The technology has the potential to be adopted by other ferry operators in the United States and around the world, as well as in container ships, to help meet the International Maritime Organization’s goal of halving greenhouse gas releases by midcentury.

Challenges and Opportunities for Hydrogen-Powered Transportation

While the Biden administration is investing $8 billion to encourage the development of clean hydrogen production and delivery, environmental groups caution that hydrogen presents its own pollution and climate risks. Currently, most hydrogen is produced using natural gas, which contributes to global warming.

However, proponents of hydrogen-powered transportation argue that as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more widely used, hydrogen production will become cleaner and less expensive. The Sea Change project, financed and managed by the investment firm SWITCH Maritime and constructed at Bay Ship and Yacht in Alameda, California, and All-American Marine in Bellingham, Washington, demonstrates the potential for hydrogen fuel cells in the transportation sector.

The Future of Clean Energy in Transportation

The MV Sea Change can travel about 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before needing to refuel, showcasing the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology for commercial passenger ferries. As the world continues to seek ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, the launch of the MV Sea Change serves as a promising example of the future of clean energy in transportation.

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