AAM to build electric vessels for San Francisco Bay Ferry

The 150-passenger vessels will be powered by an integrated battery-electric propulsion system provided by Wärtsilä. (Illustration: All American Marine)

All American Marine (AAM) has partnered with regional public transit agency San Francisco Bay Ferry (SF Bay Ferry) to build three 150-passenger battery-electric vessels. The vessels will be the first built as a part of the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, and will reportedly become the nation’s first high-speed, zero-emission, battery-electric vessels.

Teknicraft Design of Auckland, New Zealand, expanded, refined and improved on an initial concept developed by Aurora Marine Design, and will now serve as Naval architect on the project. Each 100’ x 26’ aluminum catamaran will integrate Teknicraft’s hull design technology, which AAM said has an extended waterline that reduces drag, improves performance efficiency and offers a smooth ride for passengers. Each vessel will carry up to 150 passengers and four crew members at a cruising speed up to 24 knots.

The vessels will be powered by an integrated battery-electric propulsion system provided by Wärtsilä. They will also incorporate dual 625-kW electric motors coupled to steerable Hydromaster propulsion pods.

Power for the vessel will come from a shore connection and will be accumulated in onboard battery energy storage systems (BESS) comprised of lithium titanium oxide (LTO) battery modules. The battery architecture and AAM proposed hull will allow for two BESS (one per hull), with each providing a total combined energy storage of 437 kWh (218.5 kWh per hull or “system”).

Construction of the vessels will take place at AAM’s Bellingham, WA facility. Following completion, the vessels will undergo rigorous sea trials to ensure they meet SF Bay Ferry’s standards for performance and reliability.

The zero-emission vessels are currently planned to operate on SF Bay Ferry routes connecting and serving two of San Francisco’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Treasure Island and Mission Bay. The contract includes an option for a fourth 150-passenger vessel.