Maritime Partners' Innovative Venture in the Ferry Sector with SWITCH Maritime Hydrogen Deal
Key Ideas
- Maritime Partners has closed a sale-leaseback refinancing deal for the hydrogen-powered passenger ferry Sea Change, marking their entry into the ferry sector.
- The partnership with SWITCH Maritime aims to modernize the aging U.S. ferry fleet by introducing next-generation technology and financing solutions.
- The collaboration between Maritime Partners and SWITCH will support the development of zero-emission vessels to replace diesel ones in major U.S. markets like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and New York City.
- SWITCH Maritime's CEO expressed excitement about the partnership and the plans to expand their fleet of next-generation vessels with the support of Maritime Partners' financing solutions.
Maritime Partners, known for maritime financing solutions, has ventured into the ferry sector with a significant deal involving the hydrogen-powered passenger ferry Sea Change developed by SWITCH Maritime. The sale-leaseback refinancing transaction signifies the beginning of a strategic collaboration between Maritime Partners and SWITCH aimed at revolutionizing the U.S. ferry fleet with cutting-edge technology and financial support.
The passenger ferry Sea Change, operational in the San Francisco Bay since 2024, boasts electric motor propulsion and fuel cells powered by hydrogen storage. The proceeds from the deal will aid in engineering efforts and the construction of zero-emission vessels to replace older diesel ferries in key American cities.
SWITCH Maritime's CEO highlighted the importance of financing projects at the forefront of technology adoption, emphasizing the role of the partnership with Maritime Partners in driving growth. The ambitious plans include constructing a liquid hydrogen-fueled RoPax vehicle ferry in the U.S., designed for efficient operations with minimal fueling requirements.
Maritime Partners' President commended SWITCH's capabilities in overcoming design and regulatory challenges and expressed support for expanding SWITCH's fleet with innovative vessels. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the maritime industry.
Topics
Maritime
Innovation
Collaboration
Zero-emission Vessels
Modernization
Maritime Financing
Fleet Renewal
Next-generation Technology
Financing Solutions
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