First hydrogen-fueled vessel in the USA receives US Coast Guard approval to enter commercial service

Captain Taylor Q Lam, the US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco commander and Captain of the Port, presented Switch Maritime with the signed Certificate of Inspection (COI) for its flagship hydrogen ferry, the Sea Change. With the COI, the vessel is now able to commence commercial operation of its zero-emission public ferry service.

Zero-emission ferry

The Sea Change uses hydrogen fuel cells to power all-electric motors for transit distances up to 300 nautical miles and speeds up to 15kts. According to Switch, the technology provides similar operational capabilities and ranges to diesel-powered vessels and eliminates the need for shoreside charging infrastructure required by battery-only vessels.

Hydrogen-fueled vessel pilot

Following a formal launch event in June 2024, the Sea Change will be operated in a six-month pilot service by the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), thanks to a public-private sponsorship that includes: United; the Golden State Warriors; California Air Resources Board; Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District; and Blue & Gold Fleet.

After the initial demonstration period, Switch will put the vessel into a more permanent ferry route. Alongside the Sea Change, Switch is advancing new designs for larger and faster ferries for SF Bay, and other major ferry markets in the USA and internationally.

“This COI represents the culmination of years of close collaboration with the US Coast Guard and a significant milestone for the maritime industry, demonstrating the viability of carbon-neutral vessels. We are immensely grateful for the support from the US Coast Guard and all our partners along the path to completion,” said Pace Ralli, CEO of Switch. “This is not the finish line, but just a starting point from which to build many more.”

In related news, Switch Maritime recently raised US$10m in a Series A round led by Nexus Development Capital to grow its hydrogen and electric ferry fleet in the USA. Click here to read the full story.