Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

Zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell ferry hits the water

by Incat Crowther 13 Sep 2021 23:13 PDT

Incat Crowther is pleased to announce the launch of Sea Change. The Incat Crowther 22 is the world's first zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric-drive high-speed passenger ferry. Delivered by All American Marine, the project has been spearheaded by the vessel owner SWITCH Maritime and was brought to fruition by a consortium of contributors, including Incat Crowther, Zero Emissions Industries, BAE Systems and Hornblower Group, who Incat Crowther worked closely with on the recent NYC Ferry newbuild program.

The project is supported by a grant from the California Air Resources Board, administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, that comes from the California Climate Investments initiative, a California statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities. Upon delivery, the vessel will operate in the Bay Area of California and exhibit the viability of the hydrogen fuel cell marine technology and demonstrate a pathway to commercialization.

The vessel is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell power package provided by Zero Emissions Industries (formerly Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine), comprised of 360 kW of Cummins fuel cells and Hexagon hydrogen storage tanks with a capacity of 246 kg. This system is integrated with 100 kWh of a lithium-ion battery provided by XALT and a 2x 300 kW electric propulsion system provided by BAE Systems.

Incat Crowther developed an arrangement for the vessel that accommodated the new propulsion technology, integrating it into the vessel's structure and systems. The vessel's hull form was optimised to reduce resistance, whilst further efficiencies were gained in the structural design for Sea Change, with Incat Crowther delivering its customary mix of robustness and low weight.

Incat Crowther also took a leading role in navigating the regulatory framework for the new technology, working closely with numerous branches of the United States Coast Guard and key stakeholders.

The vessel is accessible by disabled persons and includes ramps to the bow and side loading gates. The bow utilises a standard bow radius for use in many US cities. The elevated wheelhouse affords excellent visibility over bow loading operations.

Incat Crowther is proud to contribute to such a project, leveraging a long tradition of involvement in the implementation of alternative propulsion technologies.

Specifications - 22m Catamaran Passenger Ferry
Principal Dimensions
Length Overall 72’ 7” / 22.1m
Length Waterline 71’ 8” / 21.8m
Beam Overall 24’ 6” / 7.5m
Draft (hull) 3’ 8” / 1.1m
Draft (prop) 5’ 1” / 1.5m
Depth 8’ 2” / 2.5m
Construction Marine grade aluminium
Capacities
Fresh Water 100 gallons / 378 litres
Sullage 100 gallons / 378 litres
Passengers 78
Crew 2
Propulsion and Performance
Speed (Max) 20.5 knots
Hydrogen Hexagon 246kg
Fuel Cells Cummins 360kW
Batteries XALT 100 kWh lithium ion
Propulsion Motors 2 x BAE 300kW
Propulsion 2 x fixed-pitch propellers
Regulatory
Flag USA
- Survey USCG Subchapter T

Related Articles

NMMA report: Powerboat sales decline in 2024
In 2024, the U.S. powerboat market recorded nearly 168,000 new unit sales The latest sales trends report for powerboats, part of NMMA's 2024 U.S. Recreational Boating Statistical Abstract, is now available. In 2024, the U.S. powerboat market recorded nearly 168,000 new unit sales. Posted today at 5:14 pm
VMAR advances tech-first strategy
Hydrofin partnershipbrings hydrofoil technology to Vision Marine's electric pontoon portfolio Partnership brings patented hydrofoil technology to Vision Marine's electric pontoon portfolio, enhancing efficiency, range, and ride comfort. Posted today at 2:18 pm
Highfield Boats launches new Escape Series RIBs
An all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA Highfield Boats, America's leading RIB brand, is proud to announce the launch the Escape Series, an all-new line of fiberglass-hull center console RIBS made in the USA. Posted on 13 Sep
Racing & Events Manager role in Dubai
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club is looking for a Racing & Events Manager Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC), one of the Middle East's most established and internationally recognised Sailing Clubs, is inviting applications for the role of Racing & Events Manager. Posted on 13 Sep
Bulwarks and Bulldust – Show 7 Season 2
Episode Seven - XCAT World Champion, Tom Barry-Cotter from Five Blade Episode Seven - XCAT World Champion, Tom Barry-Cotter from FiveBlade talks boat shows, greenwashing. Lots to learn, so strap in for a great time. Posted on 13 Sep
2025 Newport for New Products Award winners
Innovation in marine products honored by Industry Experts and Show Attendees The Newport International Boat Show announced today the results of this year's Newport for New Products™ (NFNP) Awards. Posted on 12 Sep
ACR launches RCL-100 and RCL-50 LED searchlights
These popular searchlights offer improved usability and greater versatility ACR Electronics is introducing enhanced versions of its RCL-100 and RCL-50 LED Searchlights to bring a new level of control, convenience and style to boaters. Posted on 11 Sep
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group merger
The combined company will have a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group announced they are joining forces to create the largest yacht firm in the world. Posted on 11 Sep
Record shipment to the United States
Of Queensland built Riviera motor yachts Australia's luxury boat builder Riviera, based on the Gold Coast in Queensland is preparing for its largest ever shipment of motor yachts to the United States - 15 in total that range in value from $1.6m to $6.8 million. Posted on 11 Sep
June data shows continued softness in boat sales
NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary NMMA's latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, covering data through June 2025, shows continued pressure on retail sales as economic uncertainty and elevated borrowing costs weigh on consumer demand. Posted on 10 Sep
North Sails Loft 57 PodcastMaritimo S SeriesSelden 2020 - FOOTER