First craft with hydrogen power
Red and White Fleet will operate the multi-purpose vessel for the demonstration period
U.S. operator Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine (GGZEM) has been awarded a US$3 million grant by California state to build the vessel. The 23m-long aluminium catamaran will be built by Bay Ship & Yacht Co in Alameda, with the launch planned for next year. The vessel was designed by Incat Crowther and will carry 84 passengers and have a 22 knot top speed. The vessel is named Water-Go-Round and will be powered by dual 300-kW electric motors using independent electric drivetrains from BAE Systems. Power is generated by 360 kW of Hydrogenics proton exchange membrane fuel cells and Li-ion battery packs. Hydrogen tanks will come from Hexagon Composites, with valves and hardware from OMB-Saleri. Tanks will be installed on the upper deck, and contain enough hydrogen to operate two days between refuelling stops. After the vessel is launched it will be operated for three months in San Francisco Bay. During this period Sandia National Laboratories will independently gather and assess performance data. The group CARB will use the operational data to verify the suitability of the technology for wider marine use. The partners will also collect feedback from passengers and operators to assess the best commercial markets. Red and White Fleet will operate the multi-purpose vessel for the demonstration period and plans to purchase the Water-Go-Round as the first of several vessels with GGZEM integrated powertrains in order to meet its commitment to a 100% zero emission ferry operation.
