Hydrogen-Powered Ferry Debuts on San Francisco Bay with Free Rides.

The world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry, the MV Sea Change, is set to begin operations on San Francisco Bay on July 19, as part of efforts to replace diesel vessels and reduce carbon emissions, according to California officials. This 70-foot catamaran can carry up to 75 passengers between Pier 41 and downtown San Francisco, offering free rides for six months as part of a pilot program.

Jim Wunderman, chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, highlighted the ferry’s potential to pave the way for more hydrogen vessels in the future, both locally and globally. The Sea Change can travel around 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours on a single refuel, with its fuel cells generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction that emits only water.

The shipping industry contributes nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and the new ferry is seen as a step towards cleaner maritime transport. Frank Wolak, president of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, emphasized the significance of this technology for reducing emissions across the fleet of ferries worldwide.

There are hopes that hydrogen fuel cells could also power larger vessels like container ships. The International Maritime Organization aims to cut shipping emissions by 50% by mid-century. As the Biden administration promotes hydrogen as a clean energy source, it is investing $8 billion to encourage the development of sustainable hydrogen production.

However, environmental concerns remain, as most hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas, resulting in carbon emissions. Critics argue that hydrogen transportation isn’t yet a truly clean energy solution. Yet, advocates believe that advancements in renewable energy could lead to cleaner hydrogen production in the future. The Sea Change project was developed by SWITCH Maritime and built in California.