Set to be built in the US, SWITCH will work alongside LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin to build the RoPax (roll-on/roll-off with passenger cabins) ferry, replicating the design used for the MF Hydra, operating in Hjelmeland, Norway.
Having entered operations on a six-mile triangular route Hjelmeland, Skiavik and Nesvik in March 2023, the MF Hydra uses vaporised liquid hydrogen in PEM fuel cells to power its propulsion.
The Norwegian vessel receives fuel via a liquid hydrogen bunkering system and has refilled over 50 times since setting sail.
Set to offer capacity for 80 cars and 300 passengers, the SWITCH liquid hydrogen RoPax ferry will boast a service speed of 14 knots and is expected to require refuelling just once a week, using 3,000kg of liquid hydrogen stored on board.
The design already benefits from DNVGL-classed approval, however, SWITCH founder & CEO, Pace Ralli, said there will still be work to do to bring into compliance for American waters.
“Our first hydrogen vessel was the result of years of close collaboration with the US Coast Guard, demonstrating the viability and safety of hydrogen fuelling,” he said. “While the liquid hydrogen RoPax ferry design is already DNVGL-classed, there is still some work to do to bring it into US Coast Guard compliance.”
Ralli stressed, however, that the firm stood ready to “pioneer zero-carbon liquid hydrogen fuelling for heavier, higher-horsepower workboats.”
It comes after SWITCH’s first hydrogen-powered vessel, MV Sea Change, entered commercial service in San Francisco Bay in July.
The 70ft ferry, powered by 360kW of PEM fuel cells, can carry 75 passengers at a speed of 15 knots for 300 miles.
