SF Bay Ferry Releases Zero-Emission Ferry Design, Prepares to Award Shipyard Contracts
SAN FRANCISCO -- Aug. 8, 2024 -- San Francisco Bay Ferry today released design renderings for what will be the nation’s first high-speed, zero-emission, battery electric vessels. The vessels will be the first built as a part of the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program.
The new vessel design is a part of SF Bay Ferry’s efforts to seek bids from American shipyards for procurement of its first five battery electric ferries. This includes two 400-passenger vessels that will operate on the system’s Central Bay routes and three 150-passenger vessels that will serve San Francisco’s rapidly growing Treasure Island and Mission Bay neighborhoods.
“The updated design of the smaller vessels is focused on maximizing transit ridership and the rider experience,” said Seamus Murphy, SF Bay Ferry’s Executive Director. “That means doing everything we can to provide a service that is comfortable, convenient, frequent and fast enough to make transit the primary option for commuters and residents travelling to and from these growing neighborhoods.”
The vessels have been designed to provide riders with world-class views of the San Francisco skyline along a trip that will connect Treasure Island and Mission Bay to Downtown S.F. in as little as 15 minutes.
The renderings are available at sanfranciscobayferry.com/REEF.
SF Bay Ferry’s REEF Program also includes construction of a new electric charging float for the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal, electrification of the Treasure Island Ferry Terminal and construction of a Mission Bay Ferry Terminal with electric vessel charging capabilities.
SF Bay Ferry’s first battery electric vessel is expected to enter service in 2026. San Diego-based Aurora Marine Design (AMD) completed the design of the vessel in partnership with SF Bay Ferry and other REEF collaborators. To meet operational needs for charging technology and given the shorter trip times expected for this class of vessel, the design features highly efficient propulsors that enable the vessel to dock more rapidly and efficiently than traditional ferries, inherently safe battery technology that supports rapid charging and wider, self-deploying boarding ramps that greatly improve the disembarkation process.
A highly detailed, open interior features extra-large windows that combine with lounge-style seating, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the amazing views available on the ferry.
“This vessel is the product of a multi-year design effort, working closely with industry and the ferry operators to achieve the right balance of cutting-edge technology and robustness,” said Shaun Green, principal at AMD. “The 150-passenger vessel really elevates the passenger experience with a fresh, modern design that paves the way for the future SF Bay Ferry fleet.”
SF Bay Ferry has assembled an integration team for REEF, ensuring technology and equipment used for the battery-electric vessels and infrastructure work seamlessly together to maximize system flexibility, resilience and cost-effectiveness.
After a thorough evaluation process, the REEF integration team selected Swedish energy storage firm Echandia as the battery supplier for REEF vessels. In July, Echandia broke ground on a manufacturing facility in Marysville, Wash., ensuring that the Bay’s new zero-emission vessels will be powered with American-made batteries. SF Bay Ferry Board Vice Chair Monique Moyer and Director Jeff DelBono attended the ceremony.
Earlier this summer, SF Bay Ferry launched a demonstration pilot service on Sea Change, the world’s first commercial passenger ferry powered 100% by hydrogen fuel cells.
San Francisco Bay Ferry is a regional public transit agency tasked with developing, operating and expanding ferry service on the San Francisco Bay and with coordinating the water transit response to regional emergencies. The agency operates ferry routes connecting the cities of Alameda, Oakland, Richmond, San Francisco, South San Francisco and Vallejo. More information is available at https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/media-center.
Media Inquiries:
Thomas Hall, SF Bay Ferry, hall@watertransit.org, (707) 722-5280