Ilaria Rosella Pagliaro The first hydrogen passenger ferry in the world, MV Sea Change, capable of carrying up to 75 passengers, has recently been operational in the San Francisco Bay.
©State of California
The world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger ferry will begin operations in San Francisco Bay, USA, marking a significant step in the plan to eliminate diesel ferries and reduce carbon emissions contributing to global warming, California authorities announced on Friday during the vessel’s unveiling.
The MV Sea Change, a 70-foot catamaran capable of carrying up to 75 passengers, has been sailing along the waterfront between Pier 41 and the San Francisco Ferry Terminal since July 19, 2024. For the first six months of operation, the service will be free as part of a pilot program.
Technology and environmental impact of the hydrogen ferry
The Sea Change can travel approximately 345 miles and operate for 16 hours before needing refueling. The fuel cells generate electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen in an electrochemical reaction, emitting water as a byproduct.
This technology could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector, which accounts for nearly 3% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Although this is a smaller percentage compared to cars, trucks, railways, or aviation, it is still considerable and increasing.
Frank Wolak, president and CEO of the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association, emphasized the importance of the ferry, noting the difficulty of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships:
“The true value of this project becomes evident when considering the number of ferries operating worldwide. There is great potential here. This is a way to start reducing the carbon intensity of our ports.”
Supporters hope that in the future, hydrogen fuel cells can also power container ships. The International Maritime Organization, which regulates commercial shipping, aims to halve greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century.
Transition to hydrogen as a sustainable energy source
With the continuous rise of fossil fuel emissions warming the Earth’s atmosphere, the Biden administration is focusing on hydrogen as an energy source for vehicles, manufacturing, and electricity production. They have offered $8 billion to incentivize industries, engineers, and national planners to develop ways to produce and supply clean hydrogen.
However, environmental groups warn that hydrogen could pose its own pollution and climate risks. Currently, the hydrogen produced globally, mainly for refineries and fertilizer production, is derived using natural gas, a process that contributes to global warming rather than combating it. A new study by researchers from Cornell and Stanford universities found that most hydrogen production emits carbon dioxide, meaning hydrogen-powered transportation cannot yet be considered clean energy.
Nevertheless, hydrogen transportation advocates argue that, in the long term, hydrogen production will become more environmentally friendly. The use of electricity from wind and solar power to separate hydrogen and oxygen in water is expected to grow. As these renewable energy forms spread, hydrogen production should become a cleaner and less expensive process.
Source: State of California
