All American Marine
https://www.allamericanmarine.com/
ALL AMERICAN MARINE TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST HYDROGEN FUEL CELL VESSEL IN THE U.S.
All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) has been awarded a contract by SWITCH Maritime (SW/TCH) to complete
the aluminum construction and outfitting of a 70’ 84-passenger zero emissions, hydrogen powered, electric
drive (“e-ferry”) that will operate in the California Bay Area (referred to as the ‘Water-Go-Round’ project).
Prior to transfer to AAM, the project had begun at Bay Ship & Yacht shipyard in Alameda, CA where the
aluminum hull and superstructure had been started. This is the first hydrogen fuel cell vessel in the US,
representing a monumental step in the maritime industry’s transition to a sustainable future. The e-ferry is
being developed to demonstrate a pathway to commercialization for zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell marine
technologies. The e-ferry will exhibit the viability of this marine technology for the commercial and regulatory
community.
AAM is a leading builder of hybrid-electric vessels in the United States and was chosen to complete this
project because of their experience building unique, high-quality vessels. All American Marine’s new shipyard
has an expanded capacity and production capabilities for additional, larger and more complex vessels. The
construction of this vessel further exemplifies All American’s position as the technological innovator in the
North American marketplace, and a leading manufacturer of innovative and custom vessels.
“Having demonstrated our capabilities by delivering a number of state-of-the-art vessels over the years,
AAM was the ideal candidate to complete this vessel. We believe that hydrogen-fuel cell technology will prove
to be a robust alternative to conventional powertrain technologies,” said Matt Mullett, AAM President & CEO.
“AAM is on the leading edge of manufacturing unique vessels with advanced propulsion methods, which is
why we are so excited to be a part of this project to complete construction on such a revolutionary vessel.”
The project is funded by private capital from SW/TCH, an impact investment platform building the first
fleet of zero emissions maritime vessels. SW/TCH’s mission-driven platform seeks to work with existing ferry
operators around the country to provide capital to accelerate their transition to zero emissions, leveraging
significant experience from the build of this e-ferry. This project is also partially funded by a $3 million grant
from the California Air Resources Board, administered by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, that
comes from the California Climate Investments initiative, a California statewide program that puts billions of
Cap-and-Trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve
public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Golden Gate Zero Emission Marine is the provider of the hydrogen fuel cell power package and also serves
as technical and regulatory consultants on the project. The vessel will use an onboard set of fuel cells
arranged in compact stacks, similar to battery racks, which allows the on-board space to be used efficiently.
The fuel cells turn hydrogen into electricity by injecting hydrogen on one side and by supplying compressed
ambient air on the other side of a proton exchange membrane (PEM fuel cell). The hydrogen fuel storage is
connected to the fuel cell powertrain, creating electricity to run the propulsion motors and turning the twin
fixed-pitch propellers. Fuel cell systems afford the same operational flexibility as diesel with zero emissions
and less maintenance. Hydrogen is the simplest element consisting of only one proton and one electron and is
extremely high in energy. Hydrogen as a fuel source is similar to natural gas but does not contain carbon.
Hydrogen fuel cells directly convert hydrogen to power with zero emissions. Hydrogen has been around for
decades as a commodity with a proven track record for handling and safe usage in countless commercial and
industrial applications. The only byproducts of a fuel cell reaction are electricity and water that is clean
enough to drink.
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