San Francisco Bay Ferry's commitment to a cleaner environment made a significant leap forward as they inked a deal for the first battery-electric ferries in the nation. According to an announcement on the San Francisco Bay Ferry's website, this groundbreaking move introduces three 150-passenger, zero-emission vessels to their fleet, set to be operational by early 2027. They are the first to be part of the SF Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, aiming to overhaul the existing fleet with zero-emission technology.
Jim Wunderman, Chair of SF Bay Ferry's Board of Directors, said, as per the San Francisco Bay Ferry, “Once again, the Bay Area leads the way. This investment will connect new neighborhoods in San Francisco and lay the groundwork for widespread regional and national adoption of zero-emission water transit." This investment speaks to a broader commitment to environmental sustainability that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the bustling San Francisco Bay Area. The ferries, designed for high-speed travel at 24 knots, will be constructed by All American Marine Inc. (AAM) at their Bellingham, Washington facility, a 57,000-square-foot expanse known for its expertise in building aluminum vessels for the past three decades, including the world's first hydrogen fuel cell-powered passenger vessel.
AAM President and COO Ron Wille expressed excitement over the partnership, stating, as cited by the San Francisco Bay Ferry, "These 150-passenger ferries mark a significant milestone in advancing sustainable and innovative marine transportation." The $46 million contract for the electric ferries also includes an option for a fourth such vessel, further expanding SF Bay Ferry's environmentally friendly footprint within the region.
These ferries will connect passengers to San Francisco’s burgeoning neighborhoods, including Treasure Island and Mission Bay, enhancing accessibility while supporting growth and community development. The conceptual design was led by Aurora Marine Design (AMD) out of San Diego, with naval architecture support by Teknicraft and Wärtsilä acting as the electrification system integrator, ensuring that the different technological components work together effectively and efficiently.
Aside from the new electric vessels, SF Bay Ferry's REEF Program encompasses converting four 400-passenger diesel ferries to zero-emission technology and electrifying numerous terminals. This ambitious endeavor is supported by roughly $200 million secured through local, state, and federal funding. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted $55 million to support electrifying the Mission Bay Ferry Landing and other infrastructure projects. SF Bay Ferry is also opening a naming process for the new 150-passenger vessels this spring, continuing the tradition set by the last two diesel ferries, MV Karl and MV Zalophus, expected to join the fleet by 2025.
