By Our Correspondent
After a year of delays, the hydrogen-powered ferry SEA CHANGE is preparing to begin service in the US, according to FleetMon.
It stated: “The vessel arrived in San Francisco earlier this month and is set to start operations this spring.
“Claimed to be the first of its kind in the US, the SEA CHANGE can carry up to 75 passengers, reach speeds of up to 20 knots, and travel up to 300 nautical miles once fully fueled. The vessel uses 242 kg of hydrogen stored in tanks as fuel, which is then used in fuel cells provided by Zero Emission Industries and Cummins to generate power.
“The SEA CHANGE, a 70-foot catamaran ferry designed by Incat Crowther, was launched in August 2021, and was originally scheduled to enter service in June 2022. However, due to delays, the vessel was towed into San Francisco earlier this month, and preparations are underway for it to begin operations within a few weeks.
“Operated by the San Francisco Bay Ferry, the SEA CHANGE will ply routes between the downtown waterfront and Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, and Vallejo.
“The California Air Resources Board provided $3 million in funding for the vessel’s research and development and construction, while the Bay Area Quality Management District and the California Infrastructure Economic Development also supported the project. Additionally, Key Bank provided a $5 million loan. The hydrogen fuel to be used will be provided by West Coast Clean Fuels, a joint venture between Pasha, World Fuel Services, and Clean Marine Energy.”