- Wärtsilä will supply the complete electric propulsion system for three zero-emission, battery-electric high-speed ferries, marking the first such vessels built and operated in the USA.
- The ferries, ordered by All American Marine for San Francisco Bay Ferry, will serve new routes connecting Treasure Island and Mission Bay to downtown San Francisco.
- Wärtsilä’s delivery includes batteries, power management, automation, electric motors, and shore power systems, with the first ferry expected to join the fleet in early 2027.
Technology leader Wärtsilä has secured a contract to deliver the full electric propulsion system for three 150-passenger, fully battery-electric high-speed ferries operating in the San Francisco Bay area. The vessels will be the first all-electric high-speed ferries constructed and operated in the United States. The order, placed by shipyard All American Marine (AAM) on behalf of California’s largest public ferry operator, San Francisco Bay Ferry, was booked in Q1 2025.
Technology and Capabilities
Wärtsilä’s global expertise in integrated zero-emission propulsion systems played a decisive role in awarding the contract. The company has delivered more battery power to the marine sector than any other provider worldwide. Wärtsilä’s scope covers the entire propulsion system, including the energy and power management system (EPMS), integrated automation system (IAS), batteries, DC hub, transformers, electric motors, and shore power supply.
Project Significance and Operational Details
The ferries are part of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a major initiative to transition the fleet to zero-emission technologies. The vessels will connect two rapidly growing neighborhoods — Treasure Island and Mission Bay — with the Downtown San Francisco ferry hub. Each 100-foot ferry will operate at 24 knots, powered by dual 625-kilowatt electric motors, with dimensions including a 26-foot beam and 5.9-foot draft.
Key Stakeholder Quotes
Ron Wille, President, All American Marine Inc., stated:
“These 150-passenger ferries represent a transformative step forward in sustainable and innovative marine transportation. They showcase AAM’s unwavering commitment to innovation, delivering cutting-edge, emission-free solutions. As we look to the future of this project, we are relying upon Wärtsilä’s advanced technologies and extensive expertise to continue driving the success of this pioneering project.”
Jan Othman, Vice President, Project Services – Wärtsilä Marine, added:
“The award of this contract represents a clear endorsement of our strong track record in systems integration and emission-free propulsion and supports our global efforts to decarbonise the marine industry. We congratulate SF Bay Ferry and AAM for their vision in bringing this exciting project to fruition.”
Design and Timeline
Aurora Marine Design provided the initial vessel concept, while Teknicraft is handling detailed design per USCG Subchapter T standards. Wärtsilä’s equipment deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, with the first ferry joining the fleet by early 2027.
This project positions Wärtsilä and its partners at the forefront of sustainable marine transportation in the US, advancing zero-emission ferry operations and contributing significantly to the decarbonization of urban water transit.
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Source: Wärtsilä
