About
Switch Maritime
Give maritime operators the confidence to modernize. We deliver hydrogen fuel cell vessels end-to-end — the technology, expertise, and support to make low emission vessels the new standard.
Our mission is simple
Our story
Switch Maritime was founded in 2018 to make it possible for ferry operators to transition away from diesel — without taking on the complexity, risk, and capital burden themselves.
At the time, no hydrogen-powered passenger vessel had ever operated in the US — no regulatory playbook, no established fuel supply chain. So we set out to create a real proof-point.
In 2024, the Sea Change became the first hydrogen fuel cell-electric passenger ferry in the US. That milestone set the stage — and now we're developing additional platforms around the country.
[ FOR RIDERS & COMMUNITY ]
A hydrogen and battery-cell ferry isn’t your ordinary ride.
For the communities these routes serve — the neighborhoods, coastlines, and harbors that ferries pass through every day — that difference is real and measurable.
Better for everyone onboard and onshore
No exhaust, just water vapor
Quiet on the water
Cleaner air & waterways
Dramatically lower greenhouse gasses
Team
Pace Ralli
Founder / Chairman
Pace is a climate tech entrepreneur and investor focused on building clean energy infrastructure platforms, with deep experience across maritime fuels, electric mobility, and hard-to-decarbonize sectors.
Elias Van Sickle
Founder / CEO
Elias is a Forbes 30 Under 30 recognized entrepreneur leading vessel development, commercialization, financing, and partnerships at Switch. He helped launch Sea Change, paving a path to future fleet growth.
Francisco Planells
Director, Newbuild Program
Works closely with engineering partners, classification societies, regulators, and the USCG while overseeing technical guidance, compliance, and awarded grant programs. Previously worked with AGS’s U.S. Ports and Maritime Terminals Division.
Hannah Friedman
Fractional Chief Financial Officer
Hannah is a Forbes 30 Under 30-recognized climate leader. She has raised over $100M+ into new investment vehicles to fund climate technologies and projects. Her work and investments have influenced dozens of Pre-Seed to Series C+ companies.
Jess Gunter
Marketing Advisor
Jess is a strategist with 20+ years of experience shaping products, brands, and go-to-market strategies. She specializes in building category-leading businesses in the energy space. Her energy career includes stints at PG&E, Opower, Nest, Google, and Renew Home.
Seamus Nolan
Director, Commercial & Government Affairs
Seamus brings expertise in energy policy, government relations, and legislative affairs — previously at the US Senate — focused on advancing Switch's commercial and regulatory strategy.
Lucas Carlson
Maritime Operations Manager
Lucas manages day-to-day operations of the Sea Change, oversees service and maintenance support, and liaises with the vessel operator to ensure proper function of the Sea Change and its system.
Erin Heuer
Head of Finance
Erin serves as the Head of Finance at Switch Maritime. In this role, she manages financial planning, accounting , and reporting activities across the company - with 15 years of accounting and controller advisory experience.
Advisory board
