New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry hits design stage

Development has started on a hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast-ferry design, with initial deployment targeted for New York waters.

Zero-emissions vessel developer SWITCH Maritime (SWITCH) has teamed up with digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther, which said that it has begun detailed development and naval architecture. It is working on the design and regulatory approval process for the 28-m vessel with SWITCH. 

A statement from the companies said the project includes a global team with expertise spanning ferry operations, electric propulsion, and hydrogen system safety. From its office in New York City, SWITCH is advancing project development activities beyond vessel design – the project team is planning to deploy a ZEF-150 demonstration based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. 

The vessel is designed to align with local operational requirements and pre-existing infrastructure, the companies said in a statement, which added, “The vessel’s world-leading hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion and hydrogen storage systems 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.”

The drop-in nature of the technology ensures the ferry will integrate into current operations, rather than requiring schedule changes or a systemwide reorientation. 

Incat Crowther said using hydrogen fuel in this case offers considerable flexibility and presents a zero-emissions 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. 

The new ferry will be capable of transporting 150 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots. The operationally flexible vessel will have 720 kg 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, Incat Crowther pointed out that the vessel is well equipped to perform on longer, high-frequency commuter routes in both the US and around the world.

In addition to operational flexibility, the ferry’s design will also prioritise 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 views on New York’s waterways.

The development of New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry, which is supported by a US$2M grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), builds on the partnership between Incat Crowther and SWITCH. The two companies have recently 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 the California Bay Area.

SWITCH co-founder and chief executive Elias Van Sickle said, “SWITCH aims to provide operators with commercially viable vessels that future-proof ferry fleets. 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.”

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

NYSERDA president and chief executive Doreen M Harris said, “NYSERDA’s partnership with SWITCH Maritime and Incat Crowther on the first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry is a catalyst for the future of zero-emissions transport in New York State. This demonstration is an impressive showcase for clean hydrogen as an emerging and innovative technology that is on the cusp of transforming how people move from place to place.”