Incat Crowther has begun detailed development and naval architecture for a new hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast ferry design, with initial deployment targeted for New York waters.
Incat Crowther is working on the design and regulatory approval process for the new 28-metre vessel in partnership with zero-emission vessel developer Switch Maritime. The project includes a global team with expertise spanning ferry operations, electric propulsion, and hydrogen system safety. New York City-based Switch is actively advancing project development activities beyond vessel design. The project team is planning to deploy a ZEF-150 demonstration based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The new vessel is designed to align with local operational requirements and pre-existing infrastructure. The vessel’s hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion and hydrogen storage systems will be designed to ensure the new ferry can maintain an operational profile similar to that of a diesel vessel. This means parallel service speeds, a daily bunkering schedule, no need to increase dwell time or alter service to account for vessel charging, and no investment in shoreside charging infrastructure and power grid upgrades. The drop-in nature of the technology should ensure the new ferry can seamlessly integrate into current operations, rather than requiring schedule changes or a system-wide reorientation.
Four electric motors, each rated at 588kW, will each drive a propeller, and will be powered from six 225kW hydrogen fuel cells supported by 1576kWh of battery power. The ferry will be built to USCG Subchapter T standards.
In this project, vessel modernisation and emission reduction will be achieved through the deployment of hydrogen fuel over other low and zero emission technologies proving there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving these outcomes. 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.
The new 28m hydrogen fuel cell vessel will be capable of transporting 150 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots. The operationally flexible vessel will have 720 kilograms of stored, compressed hydrogen capacity giving it the ability to operate on a range of routes across New York ferry networks with a full day of operational range. Although the New York market will be its first deployment, the vessel is equipped to perform on longer, high-frequency commuter routes in both the US and globally.
The development project is supported by a US$ 2m grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), building on the successful partnership between Incat Crowther and Switch. The two companies have recently partnered on the design, delivery and regulatory approval for Sea Change – the first zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric-drive high speed passenger ferry. Sea Change, developed and managed by Switch, now operates in the California Bay Area.
Switch Maritime 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.”
Incat Crowther Technical Manager Dan Mace added: “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.”
NYSERDA’s support, through its Innovation and Research Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research programme, builds ecosystems for clean hydrogen and other low-carbon alternative fuels.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M Harris said, “NYSERDA’s partnership with Switch Maritime and Incat Crowther on the first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry is a catalyst for the future of zero-emission transportation in New York State. This demonstration is an impressive showcase for clean hydrogen as an emerging and innovative technology that is on the cusp of transforming how people move from place to place.”
Image: ‘Sea Change II’, hydrogen fuel cell powered ferry (credit: Incat Crowther)
