(Bellingham / USA) – Switch Maritime has developed a hydrogen-powered ferry. The “Sea Change” is designed for 75 passengers. According to its own information, the company recently filled the 242 kilogram tanks on the upper deck with hydrogen for the first time at the All American Marine shipyard. 
The final tests can now be carried out at sea. After testing, the ship will be deployed in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The “Sea Change” uses hydrogen in fuel cells to generate electricity. The electric motors can drive the vehicle at speeds of up to 300 knots with a range of 555 nautical miles (20 kilometers). The fuel is produced in California using solar power. The direct mobile refueling by a truck took place under the supervision of the US Coast Guard (USCG). This represents a “significant milestone,” said Pace Ralli, Managing Director of Switch Maritime. This opens up many opportunities for future use of similar hydrogen propulsion systems on all types of ships - including ocean-going container ships.
Fleet of carbon-free powered ships being planned
Switch Maritime LLC, founded in 2017, is a U.S. maritime investment company initiating a fleet of zero-emission vessels in North America for acquisition by ship owners and operators. The “Sea Change” is the first in a series of ferries that Switch wants to build from 2022 in collaboration with municipalities and shipping companies.
Electrification, both with hydrogen fuel cells and batteries, has the potential to convert even difficult-to-decarbonize high-performance transportation sectors, including shipping, to carbon-free propulsion, the company believes.
Interaction of innovative technology
Construction of the “Sea Change” began in Alameda, California at Bay Ship and Yacht with the manufacture of the hull and superstructure. The ship was then transferred to All American Marine in Bellingham, Washington, where the fuel cells, hydrogen tanks and other equipment were installed and construction of the ship was completed. 
The approximately 21 meter long catamaran, designed by Incat Crowther, is equipped with a hydrogen system from ZEI. The 360 kilowatt fuel cells come from US engine manufacturer Cummins Inc., the 242 kilogram hydrogen tanks from Hexagon Purus and the 600 kilowatt electric drive from BAE Systems. XALT contributed the lithium-ion battery storage with a capacity of 100 kilowatt hours. The Hornblower Group was responsible for construction management.
The project is supported, among other things, by a grant of three million dollars (2,6 million euros) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The expert commission, founded in 1967, advises the government on air pollution control and draws up legislative proposals.
The funding comes from the California Climate Investments Initiative, a statewide program in California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy and improve public health and the environment. Further state subsidies are expected from new funds US Infrastructure Act.
Development with international participation
More than half a dozen international companies were involved in the development of “Sea Change”. Zero Emission Industries (ZEI), formerly Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine, was also founded in 2017 and combines hydrogen technology with fuel cells from leading manufacturers to offer modular and scalable hydrogen propulsion systems. The company is responsible for the design and development of the ship's maritime hydrogen and fuel cell system as well as its refueling system; also for regulatory approval of all hydrogen-related aspects on board.
For refueling during sea trials, Switch has commissioned West Coast Clean Fuels LLC (WCCF) to develop end-to-end clean fuel supply chains. WCCF was founded to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon marine fuels such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), RNG (renewable natural gas) and hydrogen-based fuels such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia. The California company has developed a supply chain based on smaller delivery volumes using truck-to-ship fuel transfers. 
BayoTech Inc. is responsible for supplying gaseous hydrogen to the Sea Change during the test phase. The company produces hydrogen close to customers and distributes it to consumers via high-pressure gas transport and storage systems. BayoTec also sells and rents hydrogen production systems for emission-free power supply. In the long term, a completely carbon-free supply chain should be created for refueling with green hydrogen, which is currently in short supply in the USA.
All American Marine Inc. (AAM), based on the coast of Bellingham Bay, was founded in 1987 and specializes in building custom aluminum vessels. The company manufactures high-speed passenger ships, hybrid ships, dinner cruise ships, patrol boats and research vessels. AAM has been part of the Canadian Bryton Marine Group since March 2021, but continues to operate as an independent company.
Incat Crowther is a digital shipbuilder headquartered in Belrose, near Sydney, Australia. The company also has offices in the US and UK. The engineers' core business is design, construction and consulting services for special ships.
The Norwegian company Hexagon Purus ASA is a provider of high-pressure hydrogen cylinders, battery packs and vehicle system integration for fuel cell and battery electric vehicles. The focus of our work is on emission-free solutions for light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, buses, distribution vehicles, shipping, rail and aerospace. Hexagon Purus has offices in the USA, Canada and Germany.
“Building more and larger ships that offtake large amounts of hydrogen will increase green hydrogen production volumes and reduce the cost of hydrogen versus diesel, further driving the adoption of hydrogen-powered fleets,” explained Switch CEO Pace Ralli . They are proud to be able to play a small part in accelerating the widespread introduction of hydrogen technology. Ralli: “Hopefully this is just the first domino to fall.”
Photos
Sea Change – Switch Maritime’s zero-emissions flagship – is a 75-passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. © Switch Maritime
