By Matt McKnight

BELLINGHAM WA (Reuters) – The San Francisco Bay will soon see a brand new ferry that is completely fuel-free and powered by hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. Officials hope this signifies a change in the world of high seas transportation.

Sea Change (70-foot/21-meter) ferry with 75-passenger capacity will run multiple stops on San Francisco’s waterfront. The ferry was constructed at All American Marine Shipyard in Bellingham (Washington) and is currently undergoing testing with the U.S Coast Guard in Puget Sound.

    “We’re here in the water, under hydrogen fuel cell power and it’s the first commercial vessel in the world that’s got that propulsion system,” said Pace Ralli, chief executive of You can switch (NYSE:) Maritime standing at the bow of the ferry in Bellingham Bay.

Sea Change is another sector that explores fuel cells for clean-energy vehicles, trains, and pleasure boats.

Hydrogen fuel cells, according to advocates, are more efficient than carbon-cutting methods because they emit only heat and water. However the cost of fuel cell systems and their bulkiness have restricted its use.

    Ralli conceived the idea for the fuel cell-powered ferry while living in New York City, trying to find ways to decarbonize the maritime industry.

Ralli explained that there was an California-based project sponsored by California Air Resources Board. It was working on hydrogen fuel cell to reduce carbon emissions from ships. Ralli partnered up with them and helped fund their project in 2019.

    As he spoke, three hydrogen fuel cell stacks whirred in the engine room, helping power two propellers that move the ferry along at a top speed of 20 knots. Sea Change was steered by Jeff Sokolik, All American Marine’s project manager. He used touchscreen buttons to activate automated systems that communicate with the engine room.

This is the future standard for fuel-cell powered vessels. These are clean and efficient, which makes them economically viable on a large scale,” stated Sokolik. He believes that this environmentally-friendly maritime innovation can be adopted widely in as little as 10 years.

The desire to achieve sustainability goals has increased as companies strive for a zero-emissions world.

    The International Maritime Organization’s Greenhouse Gas Study conducted in 2020 states that greenhouse gas emissions including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide have increased from 977 million tonnes in 2012 to 1,076 million tonnes in 2018, a 9.6% increase in six years.

Ralli explained that while we are focused on shipping because of our experience, I do not believe any industry is able to wait.

    “We’re really paving the regulatory framework that’s needed to take this to a larger harbor craft, whether it’s tugs and other larger ferries or even ocean-going vessels like container ships and cruise ships and tankers,” he adds.

    If all goes to plan, Ralli said the boat will be delivered to the Bay Area in late May and serve passengers in June, just in time for San Francisco’s summer season.