From Fossil Fuels to Green Hydrogen: The Sea Change Ferry Leading the Charge
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The first commercial hydrogen-powered vessel in the US is the Sea Change, which is an example of the maritime industry transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
As within it lie 10 hydrogen storage tanks that store 246 MG of compressed hydrogen gas, the sleek and glossy exterior of the Sea Change (SC) is just a disguise.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The SC is a milestone in the industry’s zero-emissions journey, with the ability to operate for about 16 hours before needing to be refueled.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The SC is a milestone in the industry’s zero-emissions journey, with the ability to operate for about 16 hours before needing to be refueled.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The California Air Resources Board funded the project with a grant of $3 million as part of the state’s larger investment initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
About 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally are accounted for by the maritime industry, making it more difficult to decarbonize.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The shipping industry and passenger ferries are among the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the industry.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The Sea Change is an important step in the right direction, as the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority seeks to phase out diesel-powered ferries by 2035.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
Hydrogen fuel cells and batteries power the ferry, which allows it to operate for around 150 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The SC is the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry and was developed with $3 million in state funding by Switch Maritime.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
The use of hydrogen cells by the ferry is seen as a pathway to zero-carbon solutions for large, high-horsepower applications like ships.
Photo Source- switchmaritime.com
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Photo Source- switchmaritime.com