Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, a premier U.S. shipbuilder, has been selected by San Francisco Bay Ferry to design and construct two 400-passenger battery-electric ferries under the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program. This landmark project represents a major leap toward decarbonizing maritime transportation in one of America’s most iconic waterways.
Lacey Greene, Vice President of New Construction Sales at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, emphasized the strength of the project’s partnerships: “We are excited to collaborate with industry leaders, including Incat Crowther, a world-class passenger vessel designer; Wärtsilä North America, the electrical propulsion system integrator; and Ockerman Automation Consulting, a renowned electrical engineering firm. Our collective expertise and innovative technology will ensure the successful delivery of high-performance, energy-efficient ferries that align with SF Bay Ferry’s sustainability goals.”
The 142’-1” x 34’-9” Subchapter K vessels will operate at 25 knots, serving central bay routes that seamlessly connect Oakland and Alameda to San Francisco. The modular propulsion system features four independent propulsion units, each equipped with a Hydromaster drive, and a scalable energy storage system – including MCS charging units, a DC grid, and advanced DC conversion technology, all provided by EPSI Wärtsilä North America.
As a leader in aluminium vessel manufacturing since 1982, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders pioneered the first high-speed aluminium catamaran in U.S. waters. Over the past four decades, the company has delivered more than 50 new high-speed catamarans and completed numerous repairs, rebuilds, and repowers of aluminium passenger vessels. The REEF project represents a significant milestone in NBBB’s continued innovation with this first all-electric vessel construction project.
“We are honoured to partner with SF Bay Ferry on this transformative project, which will set a new standard for sustainable maritime transportation,” Gavin Higgins, CEO of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, expressed his enthusiasm. “Beyond delivering state-of-the-art ferries, this initiative will create jobs, stimulating local economies where they are built and operated. The project will also reinforce California’s leadership in zero-emission transit solutions.”
This project aligns with California’s aggressive clean energy initiatives, demonstrating the state’s commitment to cutting-edge, environmentally friendly public transportation. The new electric ferries will provide commuters with a cleaner, greener alternative, reducing the region’s carbon footprint while enhancing the passenger experience.
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