All American Marine to build San Francisco’s new electric ferries | WorkBoat

On December 13, 2024, a significant step towards sustainable public transportation was announced. All American Marine Inc. (AAM), a shipbuilder based in Bellingham, Washington, has been awarded a contract to construct a series of battery-electric, zero-emission passenger ferries for the San Francisco Bay Ferry. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the Bay Area’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing regional connectivity. The project aims to introduce three high-speed ferries, with an option for a fourth, that will serve new routes connecting various neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Innovative Design and Technology

The new ferries will be designed by Aurora Marine Design (AMD) from San Diego, with naval architecture support from New Zealand-based Teknicraft. The vessels will measure 100 feet in length and 26 feet in width, accommodating up to 150 passengers each. They will be powered by dual 625 kW electric motors, allowing them to operate at speeds of 24 knots. This innovative design not only emphasizes speed but also prioritizes environmental sustainability.

Wärtsilä, a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets, will serve as the electrification system integrator for the project. This collaboration ensures that the ferries will be equipped with the latest in electric propulsion technology, setting a new standard for maritime transportation in the United States. Jim Wunderman, Chair of SF Bay Ferry’s Board of Directors, expressed optimism about the project, stating that it lays the groundwork for broader adoption of zero-emission water transit across the country.

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Funding and Future Plans

The contract awarded to AAM is valued at $46 million, part of a larger initiative known as the Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program. This program aims to transition the SF Bay Ferry fleet to zero-emission technology. The agency has secured approximately $200 million in funding from various local, state, and federal sources to support system planning, the construction of new battery-electric vessels, and the development of shoreside infrastructure.

Scheduled for delivery in 2027, these ferries will play a crucial role in connecting neighborhoods like Treasure Island and Mission Bay to the broader San Francisco region. In addition to the new vessels, SF Bay Ferry is also seeking proposals for two additional 400-passenger high-speed battery-electric ferries to operate transbay routes between Oakland and Alameda. The REEF Program will also include the conversion of four existing diesel ferries to zero-emission technology and the electrification of terminals across the system.

As the SF Bay Ferry moves forward with these ambitious plans, it aims to phase out conventionally fueled ferries. The agency’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident, as it prepares to set a new benchmark for public transportation in the Bay Area and beyond.