[ECO]Switch Maritime Leads USA Hydrogen Powered Ship Development with Revolutionary Ferry

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Major US ports are developing fueling infrastructure to support the growing USA hydrogen powered ship industry.

In a significant development for

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and sustainable maritime transportation, SWITCH Maritime has announced plans to construct the United States’ first liquid hydrogen-powered vehicle ferry, marking a major milestone for the USA hydrogen powered ship industry. This project follows the successful launch of their initial hydrogen vessel, the Sea Change, which began passenger service in San Francisco Bay earlier this year.

The new vessel, designed to carry 80 vehicles and 300 passengers, adapts an existing Norwegian design that has proven successful in overseas operations. The RoPax (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) ferry will utilize liquid hydrogen fuel, marking a transition from the compressed hydrogen gas system used in the company’s earlier vessel and setting a new standard for USA hydrogen powered ships.

The Sea Change, which received its Certificate of Inspection from the US Coast Guard in May 2024, currently operates in the San Francisco Bay Ferry system. This 75-passenger catamaran employs 600 kW electric motor propulsion powered by 360 kW fuel cells, storing 246 kilograms of compressed hydrogen gas at 250 bar pressure. The vessel’s current fueling schedule accommodates three days of passenger operations, requiring approximately two hours to transfer 150 kilograms of fuel.

Environmental impact studies indicate that hydrogen-powered vessels like the Sea Change produce zero carbon emissions, with water vapor being their only byproduct. Traditional diesel ferries, by comparison, emit approximately 21 grams of CO2 per passenger mile. For a typical ferry route carrying 300 passengers over 10 nautical miles, this represents a reduction of nearly 63 kilograms of CO2 per trip. This is a significant amount considering a typical route that runs all day every day.

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The economic implications of operating USA hydrogen powered ships are significant. While initial construction costs are higher than conventional vessels, operational expenses show promising long-term advantages. Current hydrogen fuel costs range from $5-8 per kilogram, with prices expected to decrease as infrastructure expands. The elimination of diesel maintenance requirements and reduced engine complexity contribute to lower lifetime operational costs.

SWITCH Maritime’s choice of hydrogen technology addresses limitations faced by battery-powered vessels, particularly regarding space and weight constraints. Hydrogen fuel offers enhanced range and power capabilities due to its high energy density. The system also provides operational flexibility by eliminating the need for fixed shoreside charging infrastructure, instead utilizing established truck-to-ship or ship-to-ship fueling methods.

The development of

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represents a crucial component of this transition. Several major US ports are currently planning hydrogen fueling stations, with initial installations expected in San Francisco, Seattle, and Los Angeles by 2026. These facilities will support the growing fleet of USA hydrogen powered ships and provide standardized fueling protocols.

The company is simultaneously developing a 150-passenger, 25-knot catamaran for the San Francisco Bay Ferry service, scheduled for unveiling in early 2025. This vessel will utilize the same gaseous hydrogen storage and fuel cell equipment as the Sea Change.

The planned liquid hydrogen RoPax ferry represents a technological advancement in maritime sustainability and of the of USA hydrogen powered ship industry. Operating at 14 knots, the vessel will require weekly fueling of 3,000 kilograms from a single liquid hydrogen truck, eliminating the need for shoreside electric charging infrastructure. The design includes a four-tonne liquid hydrogen tank, approximately the size of a 40-foot container, mounted on the top deck.

The project builds upon the successful operation of its Norwegian counterpart, the MF Hydra, owned by Norled. This vessel, serving a six-nautical-mile triangular route, requires liquid hydrogen fueling only once every two weeks. Since beginning hydrogen-powered operations in March 2023, the MF Hydra has completed approximately 50 successful fuel transfers and maintained consistent service, with interruptions only for planned maintenance.

SWITCH Maritime’s business model aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vessels by managing regulatory and construction risks for existing operators. The company offers lease options for completed vessels, similar to the hardware-as-a-service model used in other industrial sectors transitioning to sustainable operations. This approach provides vessel operators with a streamlined path to building carbon-neutral fleets while complying with emissions regulations.

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