Technology group Wärtsilä will supply integrated electric propulsion systems for three fully battery-electric high speed ferries – the first such vessels to be built and operated in the United States. The order, placed by Washington-based All American Marine (AAM) for San Francisco Bay Ferry (operated by the Water Emergency Transportation Authority), accelerates California’s push toward emission-free maritime transit.
In awarding the contract to Wärtsilä, the company’s extensive global experience in developing and supplying integrated systems and solutions for zero-emission high-speed vessels was a key consideration. Wärtsilä has supplied more battery power to the marine industry than any other electrical propulsion provider in the world.
“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,” stated Ron Wille, President, All American Marine Inc.
The three zero-emission battery-electric high-speed ferries will be the first delivered as a part of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a transformative suite of projects to transition the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology. They will operate on new routes that connect two of San Francisco’s fastest growing neighbourhoods, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, to SF Bay Ferry’s Downtown S.F. ferry hub. Wärtsilä will work within the REEF project team to finalise the vessel and charging system concepts.
Wärtsilä’s scope of supply is for the full electric propulsion system. This includes the energy and power management system (EPMS), the integrated automation system (IAS), batteries, DC Hub, transformers, E-Motors, and the shore power supply. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery commencing in 2026, and the first vessel is expected to join the ferry fleet in early 2027.
Jan Othman, Vice President, Project Services – Wärtsilä Marine says: “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.”
Aurora Marine Design delivered the initial concept design of the vessels to SF Bay Ferry. Teknicraft is then responsible for the detailed design of the vessels which will be built to USCG Subchapter T standards. The vessels will operate at 24 knots, powered by dual 625-kilowatt electric motors. The ferries will be 100 feet long with 26-foot beam and a 5.9-foot draft.
