Switch Maritime, Incat Crowther hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry hits design stage
Development has started on a 150-passenger hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast-ferry design, with initial deployment targeted for New York waters.
Switch Maritime and Incat Crowther’s New York ferry design has 720 kilograms of stored, compressed hydrogen capacity. Source | Riviera/Incat Crowther
Originally reported by Riviera, zero-emissions vessel developer Switch Maritime (Jackson, Wyo., U.S.) has teamed up with digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther (Sydney, Australia), which said that it has begun detailed development and naval architecture. It is working on the design and regulatory approval process for the 28-meter ferry with Switch.
A statement from the companies says 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 vessel’s 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,” the companies say. “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 system-wide reorientation.
The new ferry will be 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, Incat Crowther points out that the vessel is well equipped to perform on longer, high-frequency commuter routes in both the U.S. and around the world.
In addition to operational flexibility, the ferry’s design will also prioritize the passenger experience.
The development of New York’s “first” hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry, supported by a $2 million 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 — a 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.
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