SWITCH Maritime Expands Hydrogen-Powered Fleet with US Liquid Hydrogen-Fuelled Ferry
Key Ideas
- SWITCH Maritime to build a liquid hydrogen-fuelled RoPax ferry in the US, following the success of their first hydrogen-powered vessel.
- The new ferry, replicating a design from Norway, will have a capacity for 80 cars and 300 passengers, with a service speed of 14 knots.
- SWITCH founder emphasized the importance of pioneering zero-carbon liquid hydrogen fuelling for heavier workboats, despite needing to ensure compliance for American waters.
- The company's first hydrogen-powered ferry, MV Sea Change, has already entered commercial service in San Francisco Bay, showcasing a commitment to sustainable maritime solutions.
After successfully launching a hydrogen-powered ferry in San Francisco Bay, SWITCH Maritime has unveiled plans to construct a liquid hydrogen-fuelled RoPax ferry for operations in the US. This new vessel, based on an existing design in Norway, will have a capacity for 80 cars and 300 passengers, offering a service speed of 14 knots and requiring only weekly refuelling with 3,000kg of liquid hydrogen on board. While the design has DNVGL-classed approval, adjustments are needed to meet US Coast Guard compliance standards. Despite this, SWITCH's CEO remains dedicated to advancing zero-carbon liquid hydrogen fuelling for heavier workboats. In addition to this new project, SWITCH has already introduced the MV Sea Change, a hydrogen-powered ferry in San Francisco Bay, demonstrating a proactive approach towards sustainable maritime solutions.