Pioneering Zero-Carbon Ferry: The First U.S. Hydrogen-Fueled RoPax Vessel
Key Ideas
- SWITCH Maritime collaborates with LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin to build the first hydrogen-fueled RoPax ferry in the U.S., following the success of their hydrogen-powered catamaran ferry, Sea Change.
- The RoPax ferry, named MF Hydra, will operate on liquid hydrogen with a four-tonne LH2 tank and is designed for zero carbon emissions, emphasizing the use of hydrogen for its high energy density and range capabilities.
- SWITCH plans to transition to cryogenic liquid hydrogen for larger vessels and sees hydrogen as a superior alternative to battery-only solutions, citing its potential to simplify zero-emissions operations and support varying power requirements.
- The innovative vessel design does not require shoreside charging infrastructure, instead opting for truck-to-ship or ship-to-ship fueling practices, highlighting the flexibility and efficiency of hydrogen as a fuel source.
SWITCH Maritime, in collaboration with LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin, is embarking on the development of the first hydrogen-fueled RoPax ferry in the United States. Building on the success of their hydrogen-powered catamaran ferry, Sea Change, SWITCH aims to pioneer zero-carbon LH2 fueling for heavier workboats. The RoPax ferry, to be constructed based on designs by LMG Marin, will feature a four-tonne LH2 tank and operate on liquid hydrogen, ensuring zero carbon emissions during its operations.
The MF Hydra, the prototype vessel for this project, has already been successfully operating with liquid hydrogen, showcasing the feasibility and efficiency of hydrogen fuel in maritime transportation. With a service speed of 14 knots, the RoPax ferry is designed to require fueling only once per week, thanks to its large LH2 tank. The vessel's design eliminates the need for shoreside electric charging infrastructure, relying instead on truck-to-ship fueling practices.
SWITCH Maritime's strategic focus on hydrogen stems from its belief in the fuel's potential to meet the range and power requirements of vessels efficiently. The company emphasizes that hydrogen offers high energy density, making it a suitable solution for larger vessels that demand more power. Additionally, hydrogen simplifies zero-emissions vessel operations by negating the need for fixed charging infrastructure, paving the way for efficient and flexible fueling options.
As the company plans to expand its zero-emissions fleet with larger vessels, including 300+ passenger ferries and harbor tugs, SWITCH intends to transition to cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage. This move aligns with their vision of leveraging hydrogen as a superior alternative to battery-only solutions, citing the fuel's efficiency and versatility for various vessel sizes and energy demands. Ultimately, SWITCH's innovative approach to hydrogen-fueled vessels showcases a promising future for sustainable maritime transportation in the United States.