Cummins fuel cells power Sea Change zero emissions ferry

Cummins hydrogen fuel cells have been integrated into North America’s first commercial hydrogen fuel cell powered, zero emissions ferry (ZEF).

The vessel, named “Sea Change,” marks a milestone in the commercialization of zero emissions marine vessel power.

With a powertrain designed by Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine, the Sea Change is powered by Cummins’ 360kW fuel cell and can reach speeds up to 22 knots.

The fuel cells are supplied with hydrogen from storage tanks creating electricity to run the electric motors and turn the vessels propellers, generating the ferry’s movement. With the ZEF only producing water and electricity as a by-product, it’s 100% emissions free.

The Sea Change is owned by SWITCH Maritime, a North American impact investment company working to create America’s first fleet of zero emission marine vessels.

This project is also partially funded by a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board, administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, that comes from the California Climate Investments initiative.

The Sea Change is in the final phases of construction and set to begin sea trials this year.