Switch to supply H2 ferry to U.S. Coast Guard

Switch Maritime (Switch), a developer of zero-emission vessels, has secured a Design Basis Agreement (DBA) with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for the Switch-150, a 150-passenger hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry. The newbuild vessel draws directly from the technical, regulatory and operational framework set by Switch’s first vessel, the Sea Change, which began passenger service in July 2024.

Rendering of the SWITCH-150 hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry. (Source: Switch Maritime)

The Switch-150 is powered by an integrated hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion and hydrogen storage system that enables it to perform high-frequency, high-intensity ferry operations comparable to an existing diesel vessel. This means parallel service speeds, a daily bunkering schedule and no need to increase dwell time or alter service to account for vessel charging, the company stated. Because the vessel requires only mobile hydrogen refueling equipment, it can be seamlessly integrated into an ongoing ferry operation.

Throughout the DBA process and the broader vessel development process, Switch collaborated closely with global naval architecture firm Incat Crowther, which led vessel design and initial regulatory matrix development. In addition, Switch leveraged the contributions of a global team of industry partners:

• hydrogen storage systems developer Hexagon Purus;
• operational advisor Hornblower Marine;
• hydrogen propulsion system design and safety specialist LH2 Shipping;
• fuel cell system developer and manufacturer PowerCell Group;
• and propulsion system integrator SEAM.

The first Switch-150 is intended to operate in New York City, based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The application would utilize clean hydrogen for the lowest possible “well-to-wake” emissions.

“Signing the DBA with the Coast Guard is a critical milestone in advancing the development of the Switch-150. With the DBA in hand, Switch, our project team and the USCG have a clear and defined framework that will inform vessel construction, commissioning and ultimately operation,” said Francisco Planells, director of the Newbuild Program at Switch. “We are now one step closer to deploying commercial-scale hydrogen-fueled vessels that will help operators to future proof and decarbonize their fleets without operational compromise.”

Development of the Switch-150 has been supported by a $2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).