Contract Secured for USA’s First Battery-Electric High-Speed Ferries

Shipyard All American Marine has awarded a contract to Wärtsilä to supply the full electric propulsion systems for three fully battery-electric, high-speed passenger ferries destined for the San Francisco Bay area.

The order, booked in the first quarter of 2025, was placed on behalf of San Francisco Bay Ferry, California’s largest public ferry operator. These zero-emission vessels will be the first full electric high-speed ferries to operate and be built in the USA. Wärtsilä was selected for its extensive global experience in developing and supplying integrated systems for zero-emission high-speed vessels, having supplied more battery power to the marine industry than any other electrical propulsion provider in the world.

“These 150-passenger ferries represent a transformative step forward in sustainable and innovative marine transportation. They showcase AAM’s unwavering commitment to innovation, delivering cutting-edge, emission-free solutions. As we look to the future of this project, we are relying upon Wärtsilä’s advanced technologies and extensive expertise to continue driving the success of this pioneering project,” stated Ron Wille, President, All American Marine Inc.

The three vessels will be the initial deliveries under San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a suite of projects dedicated to transitioning the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology. The ferries are set to operate on new routes connecting the fast-growing neighborhoods of Treasure Island and Mission Bay to the Downtown S.F. ferry hub. Wärtsilä will collaborate within the REEF project team to finalize the vessel and charging system concepts.

The technical specifications for the 100-foot-long vessels include a 26-foot beam and a 5.9-foot draft. They will operate at a speed of 24 knots, powered by dual 625-kilowatt electric motors. Wärtsilä’s complete scope of supply encompasses the energy and power management system (EPMS), the integrated automation system (IAS), batteries, DC Hub, transformers, E-Motors, and the shore power supply.

Aurora Marine Design delivered the initial concept design for the vessels, and Teknicraft is responsible for the detailed design to meet USCG Subchapter T standards. Equipment deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2026, with the first vessel expected to join the ferry fleet in early 2027.

Jan Othman, Vice President, Project Services at Wärtsilä Marine says, “The award of this contract represents a clear endorsement of our strong track record in systems integration and emission-free propulsion and supports our global efforts to decarbonise the marine industry. We congratulate SF Bay Ferry and AAM for their vision in bringing this exciting project to fruition.”