San Francisco Welcomes World's First Hydrogen-Powered Ferry, Offers Free Rides

San Francisco is now gearing up to welcome the world's first hydrogen-powered ferry as it offers free rides across the Bay Area.

First reported by the Associated Press, the 70-feet ferry MV Sea Change is scheduled to begin transporting passengers from Pier 41 to downtown San Francisco starting July 19 in an effort to boost production of zero-emission commercial water vessels.

The ferry, which can hold up to 75 passengers, will offer free rides for its first six months as part of its pilot program.

The California Air Resources Board has long teased the idea of a zero-emission, fuel cell-powered water transport since 2019 following a $3 million cash grant to the Zero Emission Industries.

How Does the MV Sea Change Works?

Powered by the electricity produced from hydrogen and oxygen, the MV Sea Change can travel for about 300 nautical miles or 16 hours before it needs to be recharged.

The fuel cell works similarly to regular carbon-powered batteries but offers a denser power charge to offer longer distances with a smaller carbon and heat emission.

Using hydrogen fuel cells, experts believe that the sea vessel poses "great potential" in reducing "carbon intensity" and greenhouse gases in congested port areas like San Francisco.

So far, the CARB is already preparing to require all short-distance ferries in the state to be emission-free by the end of 2025, in time when more hydrogen-powered vessels like MV Sea Change enter mass production.

More Zero-Emission Vehicles Roll Out Across San Francisco

MV Sea Change's deployment in the Bay Area follows the growing trend of zero carbon-emission vehicles debuting in San Francisco as California pushes to curb carbon footprints across the state.

Earlier in March, the California Public Utilities Commission signed the expansion of Waymo's autonomous ride-hailing services in San Francisco.

Similar progress can be seen in air transportation as the state welcomes air taxis and electric drones to several California cities, including major areas in San Francisco.