Switch Maritime and Incat Crowther secure US Coast Guard approval for hydrogen ferry

Switch Maritime and Incat Crowther have secured a Design Basis Agreement (DBA) from the United States Coast Guard for the SWITCH-150, a hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast ferry platform designed to carry 150 passengers.

The vessel is engineered to match the performance and operating specifications of traditional diesel vessels, emitting only water vapor. It utilizes an integrated hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion system and hydrogen storage, allowing for high-frequency operations without the need for costly shoreside charging infrastructure or power grid upgrades. Instead, the ferry will utilize mobile hydrogen refueling equipment.

The SWITCH-150 design incorporates six 225 kW fuel cells, four 588 kW electric motors, and batteries. The vessel is constructed of aluminum, measuring 28.5 meters in length and 9 meters in width. It is designed to support daily bunkering schedules to maintain service speeds comparable to diesel alternatives.