San Francisco has always been famous for its diverse public transit options, from the efficient BART system to the charming cable cars. But now, the city has taken a giant leap into the future with the launch of the nation’s first hydrogen-fueled commercial passenger ferry!
Last week, the 70-foot catamaran, MV Sea Change, started its journey, offering up to 75 passengers a serene ride along the waterfront between Pier 41 and the San Francisco Ferry Building. This isn’t just any ferry – it’s a technological marvel. Joe Pratt, CEO of Zero Emission Industries, shared with Fast Company, “It’s all electric drive. What that means is you don’t have the engine noise. You don’t have the vibration. It’s kind of like a really big sailboat that’s just cruising silently through the bay.” And the best part? Its only byproduct is water vapor. Pratt even mentioned, “It’s the only vessel in the world where you can actually drink the exhaust.”
The MV Sea Change is not only eco-friendly and innovative but also free for the first six months as part of a pilot program. This makes it a perfect opportunity to experience cutting-edge green technology while enjoying the beautiful Bay Area scenery.
Jim Wunderman, chair of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority, highlighted the broader significance of this project, saying, “The implications for this are huge because this isn’t its last stop. If we can operate this successfully, there are going to be more of these vessels in our fleet and in other folks’ fleets in the United States, and we think in the world.”
Take a closer look at this revolutionary ferry and perhaps plan your next trip around a ride on the MV Sea Change. It’s an exciting step towards a greener future and a quieter, more peaceful travel experience on the bay.
