Hydrogen pioneer
The world’s first commercial vessel powered 100% by hydrogen fuel cell has been launched.
Sea Change is a 70ft, zero-emissions, hydrogen fuel cell-powered, electric-drive ferry that will operate in the California Bay Area. Built by All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) and owned by SWITCH Maritime (SWITCH), the ferry will be the first hydrogen fuel cell vessel in the US.
“Hydrogen-fuel cell technology will prove to be a robust alternative to conventional powertrain technologies,” said Ron Wille, AAM president & COO. “AAM is continuing our tradition of building vessels on the leading edge of technology using advanced propulsion methods, which is why we are so proud to have to completed construction on such a revolutionary vessel.”
How does it work?
Now undergoing operational trials, the ferry is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell power package provided by Zero Emissions Industries (formerly Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine), comprised of 360kW of Cummins fuel cells and Hexagon hydrogen storage tanks with a capacity of 246 kg.
This system is integrated with 100kWh of lithium-ion battery provided by XALT and a 2x 300kW electric propulsion system provided by BAE Systems. The hydrogen fuel cell powertrain system affords the same operational flexibility as diesel with zero emissions and less maintenance.
The vessel design originates from Incat Crowther, and the construction supervision and management has been led by Hornblower Group.
The project is funded by private capital from SWITCH, an impact investment platform building the first fleet of exclusively zero-carbon maritime vessels to accelerate the decarbonisation and energy transition of the US maritime sector.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
