Incat Crowther, a digital shipbuilder, has begun the development and naval architecture for a new hydrogen fuel-cell electric fast ferry design, with initial deployment currently targeted for operation in New York.
The company is now working on the design and regulatory approval process for the new, 28-metre vessel in close partnership with zero-emission vessel developer, SWITCH Maritime (SWITCH).
Both companies recently collaborated to deliver Sea Change– the world’s first zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric-drive high speed passenger ferry, which now operates in the California Bay Area.
The project team intends to deploy a ZEF-150 demonstration based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, with SWITCH actively advancing project development activities beyond vessel design.
SWITCH Maritime’s Co-founder and CEO Elias Van Sickle said:SWITCH aims to provide operators with commercially viable vessels that future-proof ferry fleets. Our objective is to meet existing performance standards with drop-in solutions that don’t require overhauling systems or schedules. And if it can be done in New York, it can be done anywhere.
Designed to align with both local operational requirements and pre-existing infrastructure; the new vessel will utilise hydrogen fuel-cell electric propulsion and hydrogen storage systems in order to ensure it can maintain an operational profile similar to that of a diesel vessel. This will, in theory, enable parallel service speeds, a daily bunkering schedule, the removal of the requirement to increase dwell time or alter service to account for vessel charging, and no investment in costly shoreside charging infrastructure and power grid upgrades.
Incat Crowther’s Technical Manager Dan Mace said:The design of this vessel showcases a feasible solution for mass transit operators looking to begin the fleet decarbonisation process, while maintaining existing operational profiles. The vessel’s ability to drop in to existing New York fleets is a real positive step to reduce emissions, and ensures the vessel can be deployed quickly without the need for constructing additional shoreside infrastructure.
Incat Crowther has stated that one element of the project’s overall aim is to prove there is ‘no one-size-fits-all’ approach to achieving both vessel modernisation and emission reduction, with this vessel set to achieve it via the deployment of hydrogen fuel over other low and zero emission technologies. The shipbuilder has posited that the use of hydrogen fuel, in this case, offers ‘considerable flexibility and presents a zero emission transport solution for fleets with longer range requirements and those operating in areas where shoreside charging for battery-electric propulsion may not be technically or economically feasible’.
Once completed the 28-metre hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry will be capable of carrying 150 passengers at cruising speeds of 25 knots. It will have 720 kilograms of stored, compressed hydrogen capacity, allowing it to operate on a number of routes across New York ferry networks, with a full day of operational range.
The vessel design will also prioritise the passenger experience, with a main deck capable of accommodating seating for 150 passengers, a large storage section for luggage, a kiosk, three bathrooms and large windows.
Whilst New York will be the vessel’s initial deployment area, it is being designed to perform on longer, high-frequency commuter routes both within the United States and across the world.
