Plans for SWITCH’s 150-passenger zero-emission ferry enter a new phase

Image: Incat Crowther

SWITCH Maritime’s plans to deploy a 150-passenger hydrogen fuel cell powered zero-emission ferry in New York City waters are moving right along. Incat Crowther has started detailed development and naval architecture for the 28-meter vessel and SWITCH is actively advancing project development activities beyond vessel design.

The project team is planning to deploy a ZEF-150 demonstration vessel based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

The new SWITCH vessel will align with local operational requirements and pre-existing infrastructure. Its hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion and hydrogen storage systems are designed to ensure the new ferry can maintain an operational profile similar to that of a diesel vessel. This means parallel service speeds, a daily bunkering schedule, no need to increase dwell time or alter service to account for vessel charging, and no investment in costly shoreside charging infrastructure and power grid upgrades.

Incat Crowther says that the drop-in nature of the technology ensures the new hydrogen fuel cell electric ferry will seamlessly integrate into current operations, rather than requiring schedule changes or a system-wide reorientation.

Vessel modernization and emission reduction will be achieved through the deployment of hydrogen fuel over other low and zero emission technologies proving thethere is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving these outcomes. In this case, the use of hydrogen fuel offers considerable flexibility and presents a zero emission transport solution for fleets with longer range requirements and those operating in areas where shoreside charging for battery-electric propulsion may not be technically or economically feasible.

Capable of transporting 150 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots, the operationally flexible vessel will have 720 kilograms of stored, compressed hydrogen capacity giving it the ability to operate on a range of routes across New York ferry networks with a full day of operational range.

Although the New York market will be its first deployment, the vessel is well equipped to perform on longer, high-frequency commuter routes in both the United States and around the world.

In addition to operational flexibility, the new vessel’s design will also prioritize the passenger experience. The vessel’s spacious main deck will feature comfortable seating for 150 passengers, ample luggage storage, a kiosk, three bathrooms including a wheelchair accessible bathroom, and large windows to allow passengers to enjoy the iconic views on New York’s waterways.

The development of New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric ferry is supported by a $2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through its Innovation and Research Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research program.

Incat Crowther and SWITCH previously partnered on the design, delivery and regulatory approval for Sea Change– the world’s first zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric-drive high speed passenger ferry.

Sea Change, developed and managed by SWITCH, now operates in California’s Bay Area.

“SWITCH aims to provide operators with commercially viable vessels that future-proof ferry fleets,” said SWITCH Maritime co-founder and CEO Elias Van Sickle. “Our objective is to meet existing performance standards with drop-in solutions that don’t require overhauling systems or schedules. And if it can be done in New York, it can be done anywhere.”

“The design of this vessel showcases a feasible solution for mass transit operators looking to begin the fleet decarbonization process, while maintaining existing operational profiles,” said Dan Mace, Incat Crowther’s technical manager. “The vessel’s ability to drop in to existing New York fleets is a real positive step to reduce emissions, and ensures the vessel can be deployed quickly without the need for constructing additional shoreside infrastructure.”

• Technical particulars HERE