WETA Votes to Propel Region into Greener Future

The Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) Board of Directors voted yesterday (May 5) to launch the first zero-emission, hydrogen-powered ferry vessel in North America. The “Sea Change” vessel developed by SWITCH Maritime is powered by hydrogen fuel cell batteries, a proven technology in other modes but untested in ferry vessels in the United States. WETA plans to operate the vessel this summer on the San Francisco waterfront between Pier 41 and the Ferry Building, and to both Chase Center and Oracle Park on gamedays. The demonstration project will also provide public education opportunities about climate change and zero-emission technologies in the maritime field. This move to operate a hydrogen vessel is part of WETA’s broader commitment to transition to a zero-emission fleet. 
 
Bay Area Council CEO Jim Wunderman serves as Chair of the WETA Board of Directors and has long been a leading voice calling for reducing pollution and decarbonizing the region’s ferry system. To learn more or to engage in the Council’s waterfront mobility work, please contact Policy Director Emily Loper.