The First Zero-Emissions Commercial Ferry Powered 100% by Hydrogen Fuel Cells
The global leader in experiences and transportation will offer the vessel for hire/charter in partnership with SWITCH Maritime to deliver an enhanced passenger experience with technological advancements in maritime decarbonization
San Francisco, CA (August 23, 2021) – Hornblower Group announces today its partnership with SWITCH Maritime to operate the Sea Change, the first ever zero-emission commercial ferry powered 100% by hydrogen fuel cell. Available for charter starting this fall, the Sea Change will create measurable carbon emissions reductions relative to conventional diesel alternatives and offer a silent ride for passengers onboard. At the leading edge of maritime decarbonization, the Sea Change will create a foundation for scaling hydrogen powertrain technology to ships of all types and sizes.
SWITCH Maritime, an impact investment platform building the first fleet of exclusively zero carbon vessels and the owner of the Sea Change, has engaged Hornblower Group to oversee the design and construction management of Sea Change at All American Marine shipyard in Bellingham, Washington. Recently launched, the Sea Change is a 70-foot, 75-passenger zero emission commuter ferry powered by 360 kW of fuel cells and 100 kWh of lithium-ion battery integrated with 2x 300 kW electric traction propulsion motors. The project is funded by private capital from SWITCH and also received important municipal support, including a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board that comes from California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome passengers aboard Sea Change and I could not be more proud of the incredible team at SWITCH that produced this unique and groundbreaking vessel,” said Cameron Clark, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at Hornblower Group. “It gives me great enthusiasm to think what this build represents for the future of our business and the many turnkey solutions we at Hornblower continue offering our partners within the maritime industry.”
As part of their partnership with SWITCH, Hornblower has acted as the exclusive owner’s representative in the construction of this first-of-its-kind ferry, which will be ready for commercial operations in the San Francisco Bay Area this this fall and could relocate to markets across the country.
“Compared to landside transportation, shipping has been relatively slow to transition to clean energy, so we’re excited that the Sea Change will now show that zero emissions is possible in the maritime industry,” said Pace Ralli, Co-Founder and CEO of SWITCH Maritime. “We envision a world 10 years from now where ferries all across the country are all making the transition to zero-carbon power, and we’re grateful to have Hornblower’s support in realizing this mission.”
Upon arrival in San Francisco, Sea Change will be used for a three-month performance study as a part of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) project grant. The data collected will be used by CARB to assess hydrogen fuel cell technology in maritime applications, directly influencing potential new incentives and regulations for further zero-emission hydrogen and fuel cell usage on the water, meeting the state’s clean air goals. Hornblower and SWITCH will transmit all data to Sandia National Labs, which will serve as an independent, third-party analyst.
The new Sea Change vessel introduction will provide a charter guest experience with a variety of featured opportunity offerings including:
- Charter: Available for medium- or long-term time charter (full service) or bareboat lease across the United States
- Elevated Passenger Experience: Silent ride with customizable, first-class interior layouts
- Next-Gen Technology: Develop valuable experience with zero-carbon propulsion
- Fueling: Hydrogen supply chain coordinated by SWITCH Maritime
- Visibility: Gain recognition as a leader in maritime decarbonization
- ESG Reporting: Receive packaged data with carbon reduction and environmental impact
Vessel specs:
- Length / Capacity: 70 ft, 75-passenger commuter ferry
- Propulsion: 2x 300 kW electric traction motors
- Powertrain: Fuel Cell: 360 kW fuel cell & 100 kWh lithium-ion batteries
- Hydrogen Storage: 246 kg H2 storage v Top-Speed: 20 knots
- Range: ~300 nm at 16+ knots
- COVID-Ready: Interior cabin air replaced every 4 minutes
Hornblower’s portfolio of client service offerings include planning and consulting, design and shipbuilding, vessel operations, marketing and technology integration, and cargo management. During the pandemic, Hornblower acquired five new companies and nine in total over the last few years, integrated a proprietary ticketing system to enhance the customer journey and expanded to more than 110 countries, six continents and over 125 U.S. Cities, including NYC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, London and many more.
For photos CLICK HERE