San Francisco Ferry Operator Adds 4 Electric Ferries in $500 Million Overhaul
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 29
San Francisco Ferry Operator Adds 4 Electric Ferries in $500 Million Overhaul
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 29
Summary
Four battery-powered ferries will join San Francisco’s largest operator over the next two years, alongside dockside charging equipment, making it the first U.S. ferry system to run high-speed all-electric ferries.
The agency, which carries about 3.5 million passengers a year, is replacing part of an all-diesel 18-vessel fleet as it targets lower emissions, cleaner waterfront air and less exposure to rising diesel costs.
Murphy said the roughly $500 million transition depends on matching vessel range, fixed schedules and terminal charging times, since not every route can support a fully electric boat.
The shift comes as hydrofoil and battery advances widen the market for electric vessels globally, with operators betting higher upfront costs can be offset by lower fuel and maintenance bills over time.