World’s first fully hydrogen ferry built in Bellingham begins service in San Francisco

BELLINGHAM, Wash, — A passenger ferry now operating in San Francisco looks a lot like the fast ferry from West Seattle, but this boat is a first of its kind.

“The Sea Change is the first, world’s first passenger hydrogen ferry. So it’s a very exciting day that has huge implications for the future. And yes, they absolutely have plans to build more of them and bigger ones and faster ones,” said Jim Wunderman, Chair of the San Francisco Bay Ferry Board.

The hydrogen-powered ferry was developed and built by All American Marine in Bellingham.

It’s part of San Francisco’s plan to phase out diesel-powered vessels and reduce planet-warming carbon emissions.

Service to the downtown ferry terminal started July 19th.

“The maritime industry is responsible for 3% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, so that is a really material improvement,” said Wunderman.

Sea Change can travel about 300 nautical miles and operate for 16 hours before it needs to refuel. Washington state leaders have been pushing for alternative fuel options for mass transit services.

King County Metro is looking at hydrogen as one option as they try to convert to a net-zero emission fleet by 2035.

Washington State Ferries is trying to upgrade their aging fleet, but new electric-hybrid vessels are still years away.

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“There are cities around the world. There are entire countries that we’ve talked to about using maritime adoption of hydrogen to really jump-start hydrogen economy in local sectors around harbors,” said Joe Pratt, CEO of Zero Emission Industries.

Service on the Sea Change will be free during a six month pilot program.