The funding was awarded through the Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research Program under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). SWITCH Maritime is one of five companies selected to receive support. In total, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on August 21 that more than $11 million had been allocated to five projects focused on developing clean hydrogen technology. These projects will demonstrate new designs, identify cost reductions for hydrogen storage and distribution, explore large-scale storage opportunities, and deploy hydrogen-powered transportation systems.
Governor Hochul said: “New York’s investments in clean hydrogen are helping to unlock this emerging resource as a potential contributor to the state’s affordable, abundant, and reliable energy system. Advancing alternative fuels like clean hydrogen will grow our clean energy economy while reducing emissions statewide.”
Pace Ralli, Co-founder and CEO of SWITCH Maritime, highlighted the company’s goals: “SWITCH aims to provide municipal ferry operators with viable zero-emission options to replace their aging, diesel-powered vessels. Funding from NYSERDA’s Clean Hydrogen Innovation Program accelerates SWITCH’s ability to demonstrate a hydrogen-powered 150-passenger ferry for NYC waterways, without sacrificing operational performance. New York State is a powerhouse of innovation and climate action; we can’t think of a better place to launch this groundbreaking vessel.”
In addition to the New York project, SWITCH Maritime is collaborating with LH2 Shipping and LMG Marin on the construction of the first liquid hydrogen-fueled RoPax vehicle ferry in the U.S. The vessel is based on the DNVGL-classed 80-car, 300-passenger design that is already operating in Norway under the name MF Hydra. This project involves adapting the design for U.S. construction and operation using liquid hydrogen as fuel.
The company’s hydrogen efforts build on earlier milestones. In July 2024, SWITCH launched Sea Change, the first hydrogen-powered ferry in the U.S., which began public passenger service under the San Francisco Bay Ferry system. The vessel had received its Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the U.S. Coast Guard in May 2024, enabling its entry into commercial service.
With the new funding, SWITCH Maritime aims to further demonstrate the practicality and performance of hydrogen-powered ferries in urban waterways. The project is expected to contribute to expanding zero-emission transport options, support clean hydrogen technology deployment, and align with ongoing initiatives to reduce emissions in the maritime sector.
The developments reflect growing momentum in adopting hydrogen-based solutions for sustainable shipping, positioning New York as a testing ground for innovative clean energy transportation systems.
