SwitchMaritime-VideoStill5.png

[ WHY HYDROGEN ]

The need to modernize is real, and so is the solution. Hydrogen fuel cell-electric technology lets operators decarbonize their fleets without disrupting the service they run.

How hydrogen fuel cell propulsion works for maritime vessels

Switch Maritime crafts fuel supply chains to connect supply and demand — setting you up for success in powering your vessels.

Clean power generation

Leaf icon

01

Blue arrow icon

Clean hydrogen production & storage

Hydrogen icon

02

Blue arrow icon

Mobile fueling equipment & delivery

Truck icon

03

Blue arrow icon

Vessel fueling
onsite

Fueling icon

04

Blue arrow icon

Fuel cells create
electricity from stored hydrogen

Battery icon

05

Blue arrow icon

Electric motors drive the vessel

Boat icon

06

96%

reduction in GHG emissions from hydrogen vs diesel

Source: KPFF | SWITCH-150 Techno-Economic Analysis Report

We build your hydrogen supply chain from the ground up

[ HYDROGEN FUEL SUPPLY ]

  • We coordinate clean hydrogen procurement — selecting the most cost-effective and lowest-emission source available for your location.

  • We manage transportation to your fueling site, including all regulatory approvals and permitting required for hydrogen handling at your port.

  • Hydrogen is transferred to the vessel via a mobile truck and tank trailer — no permanent shoreside infrastructure required to get started.

Every Switch project includes a hydrogen fuel supply chain designed around your port, your routes, and what's available in your region.

SwitchMaritime-VideoStill4.png

Flexible by design

Compressed gas or liquid hydrogen based on your vessel size, route demands, and regional availability. As your operation grows, we adapt.

Flexible & scalable

We pursue the lowest-carbon hydrogen source for your location, with a goal of fully renewable, locally produced clean hydrogen.

Lowest total emissions

Hydrogen costs are declining as domestic production scales. Unlike diesel, it’s not subject to global price swings — for more predictable fuel economics.

Stable, competitive fuel costs

  • Independent analysis. A clear result.

    In a recent study and independent report ‘SWITCH-150 Techno-Economic Analysis Report’, KPFF conducted an analysis of hydrogen, diesel, and battery-electric propulsion on NYC Ferry's East River route — one of the most operationally demanding commuter services in the US.

    And if these benefits held up for this route, we feel confident they can hold up for most any route.

The study looked at a variety of analysis outcomes.

  • Check mark - blue

    Capital costs

  • Check mark - blue

    Operating costs

  • Check mark - blue

    Market readiness

  • Check mark - blue

    Emissions impact

  • Check mark - blue

    TCO comparison

Sea Change ferry on the water in Seattle

And the study found: hydrogen delivers

  • Same operational profile as diesel with speed, fueling cadence, and crews.

  • Cost parity with diesel by year 15, with significantly lower total fleet investment than battery-electric.

  • Lowest total emissions of any propulsion option when upstream fuel production and grid energy mix are included.

Want the full analysis?
Download the complete third party study.

Sea Change hydrogen vessel in construction and transport

From the Sea Change – the first hydrogen ferry operating in the U.S. – to our next-gen platforms in development.

See what we’re building

Learn more
Learn more