Big regulatory milestone for maritime hydrogen in the US: SWITCH Maritime LLC has secured a formal Design Basis Agreement (DBA) from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for their SWITCH-150 passenger ferry.
Operating out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, this 150-passenger zero-emission vessel will run on hydrogen fuel cells combined with electric propulsion - matching traditional diesel speeds and schedules with zero emissions besides water vapor.
As part of the global project team, SEAM has contributed our hands-on expertise within propulsion system integration, power electronics, and automation architectures to help build the technical and regulatory framework required for this approval.
This work builds directly on our experience delivering the power, automation, and safety systems for MF Hydra, the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered ferry. Bringing Norwegian system integration know-how into pioneering international initiatives shows how mature, shop-floor clean technology can accelerate the transition globally.
Congratulations to the SWITCH Maritime team on securing the Design Basis Agreement, alongside partners Incat Crowther, Hexagon Purus, Hornblower Marine, LH2 Shipping, and PowerCell Group. We are excited for the work ahead as the project moves forward in the New York Harbor.
Read all about the project and vessel here.
