Powering the USA’s first zero-emission high speed ferries

The fully electric vessels will be built for San Francisco’s Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) as a part of the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a phased decarbonisation of the high-speed ferry service at San Francisco Bay.

“This is a major project within the maritime sector’s journey towards decarbonisation and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Hanno Schoonman, director of sales for AMER region, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

“Wärtsilä joins an industry leading team tasked to develop newbuild battery electric vessels that combine innovative technology and sustainable practices. Wärtsilä is well qualified to provide this project support and this agreement is a clear endorsement of our strong track record in systems integration and emission-free propulsion.”

Multi-vessel project

Wärtsilä will work within the WETA project team to finalise vessel and charging system concepts.

After completing the conceptual phase, WETA will move on to the initial construction phase of a multi-vessel programme.

This phase will involve the building of three smaller ferries with a capacity of approximately 150 passengers each and two larger ferries capable of carrying at least 300 passengers.

Additionally, the scope of this phase will encompass the inclusion of battery charging floats. The construction of the first electric-powered vessel is slated to commence before the conclusion of 2023, with commercial operations expected to launch in 2025.

To comply with new California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, WETA said it is committed to accelerating zero-emission implementation ahead of and beyond regulatory requirements.