The MV Sea Change, the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry, will start operations on San Francisco Bay on July 19. As part of a six-month free test programme, this 70-foot catamaran will transport up to 75 passengers from Pier 41 to the downtown San Francisco ferry terminal.
The ferry, which can travel 300 nautical miles and run for 16 hours before refuelling, is intended to reduce carbon emissions by replacing diesel-powered ferries.
Jim Wunderman, chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, emphasised the project’s significance, saying that hydrogen-powered vessels will become more common in the United States and around the world. The device generates energy by mixing oxygen and hydrogen, emitting just water, making it a cleaner alternative for the shipping industry, which accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Frank Wolak, president and CEO of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, emphasised the ferry’s potential to reduce emissions from numerous ships worldwide.
The Biden administration is promoting hydrogen as a renewable energy source, offering $8 billion to expand production and distribution. Although current hydrogen production uses natural gas, proponents believe that using renewable energy will make it more environmentally friendly.
