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US’s first zero-emissions e-ferry to run on hydrogen fuel cell
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US’s first zero-emissions e-ferry to run on hydrogen fuel cell

June 17, 2019
The first hydrogen fuel cell vessel is to be built in the US after Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine (GGZEM) was awarded a US$3M grant by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The first hydrogen fuel cell vessel is to be built in the US after Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine (GGZEM) was awarded a US$3M grant by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). When it is built next year, it will be the first commercially operated hydrogen fuel cell ferry in the world, claimed GGZEM.

The aluminum catamaran designed by Incat Crowther will have a 22-knot top speed. The vessel will be powered by dual 300 kW electric motors using independent electric drivetrains. Power will be generated by 360 kW of Hydrogenics proton exchange membrane fuel cells and Li-ion battery packs. Hydrogen tanks will be installed on the upper deck, and contain enough hydrogen to go up to two days between refuelling.

GGZEM’s zero infrastructure flexible fuelling arrangement will allow Water-Go-Round to be fuelled anywhere with truck access.

After the vessel is launched it will be operated for three months in San Francisco Bay. During this period Sandia National Laboratories will independently gather and assess performance data. CARB will use the real-world data to verify the suitability of the technology for marine use. The partners will also collect feedback from passengers and operators to assess the best commercial markets.

Source: Marine Propulsion