The US’ first hydrogen-powered commercial ferry is slated to begin operating in the San Francisco Bay by the end of the year. The Sea Change is a 70-foot, 75-passenger vessel built by All American Marine, and holds enough compressed hydrogen to travel 300 nautical miles at a cruising speed of about 18 miles per hour.
The only byproduct of the hydrogen ship is hot water, and excess electricity generated by the fuel cells is stored in batteries on board for reuse. “Being able to put a boat out to sea to operate where it’s going to create zero emissions is certainly revolutionary,” said All American Marine president Ron Wille in a recent interview with KUOW.
It’s important to note that most hydrogen fuel today is derived from coal and natural gas, but the expansion of hydrogen generated with water and renewable electricity will eventually make these types of boats entirely powered by renewables.
Image source: All American Marine
