SF Bay Ferry taps NBBB to build new battery-electric ferry duo

U.S. public ferry service provider San Francisco Bay Ferry (SF Bay Ferry) has contracted Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) to design and construct two battery-electric ferries.

SF Bay Ferry ordered the two 200-passenger battery-electric ferries as part of its Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program which seeks to “significantly reduce emissions and advance sustainable transportation” in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The shipbuilder will collaborate with Incat Crowther, a passenger vessel designer, Wärtsilä North America, the electrical propulsion system integrator, and Ockerman Automation Consulting, an electrical engineering firm on the construction of the two electric ferries.

As disclosed, the Subchapter K vessels will operate at 25 knots, serving central bay routes that connect Oakland and Alameda to San Francisco. The modular propulsion system features four independent propulsion units, each equipped with a Hydromaster drive, and a scalable energy storage system – including MCS charging units, a DC grid, and advanced DC conversion technology, all provided by EPSI Wärtsilä North America.

“We are honored to partner with SF Bay Ferry on this transformative project, which will set a new standard for sustainable maritime