All American Marine (AAM) has entered into a landmark partnership with San Francisco Bay Ferry to develop 150-passenger battery-electric vessels that will contribute significantly to sustainable passenger transport in the San Francisco Bay Area. This innovative project will advance green maritime engineering while reducing environmental impact.
Key Features of the Project
- Design and Development
- The initial concept for the vessel was created by Aurora Marine Design (San Diego), and further refined by Teknicraft Design (Auckland, New Zealand).
- These vessels will feature a battery-electric propulsion system, providing emission-free operations in the Bay Area.
- Hull Design: Teknicraft’s technology optimizes performance by reducing drag and offering a smoother ride. The vessels will operate at 24 knots.
- Battery-Electric Propulsion and Energy Storage
- The propulsion system will be supplied by Wärtsilä, integrating Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) batteries.
- Each hull will feature a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 437 kWh capacity (218.5 kWh per hull).
- This design will help minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality in the region.
- Vessel Specifications
- Size: Each vessel will be 100’ x 26’ with a capacity for 150 passengers and 4 crew members.
- Features:
- Open lounge-style seating, including bar stools and defined wheelchair locations.
- Exterior bicycle racks for up to 26 bikes.
- Dual 625 kW electric motors for efficient propulsion.
- Sustainability Focus
- These vessels are set to significantly reduce emissions and provide a cleaner transportation alternative for Bay Area commuters, supporting SF Bay Ferry’s mission of carbon reduction and congestion alleviation.
Construction and Operational Plans
- Facility: The vessels will be constructed at AAM’s Bellingham, WA facility using advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Sea Trials: Rigorous testing will ensure the vessels meet performance standards for reliability and efficiency.
- Routes: The vessels are planned to serve high-demand routes connecting Treasure Island and Mission Bay. An option for a fourth vessel is included in the contract.
Future Impact
The reef vessels represent a major step forward in sustainable marine transportation and will play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions while providing a clean alternative for daily commuters. As the Bay Area continues to grow, these vessels will help improve both transportation efficiency and the region’s environmental footprint.
“We are excited about this partnership and proud to be part of setting a new standard in the industry,” said Ron Wille, President and COO of AAM.
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Source: ALL AMERICAN MARINE
