Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the electric propulsion system for three fully battery-electric, high-speed ferries that will operate in the San Francisco Bay area. The zero-emission vessels will be the first full electric high-speed ferries to operate and be built in the USA. The order with Wärtsilä has been placed by the shipyard All American Marine (AAM), on behalf of San Francisco Bay Ferry, California’s largest public ferry operator. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025.

In awarding the contract to Wärtsilä, the company’s extensive global experience in developing and supplying integrated systems and solutions for zero-emission high-speed vessels was a key consideration. Wärtsilä has 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 zero-emission vessels will be the first delivered as a part of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a transformative suite of projects to transition the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology. They will operate on new routes that connect two of San Francisco’s fastest growing neighbourhoods, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, to SF Bay Ferry’s Downtown S.F. ferry hub. Wärtsilä will work within the REEF project team to finalise the vessel and charging system concepts.

Wärtsilä’s scope of supply is for the full electric propulsion system. This includes the energy and power management system (EPMS), the integrated automation system (IAS), batteries, DC Hub, transformers, E-Motors, and the shore power supply. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery commencing in 2026, and the first vessel is expected to join the ferry fleet in early 2027.

Jan Othman, Vice President, Project Services – 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.”

Aurora Marine Design delivered the initial concept design of the vessels to SF Bay Ferry. Teknicraft is then responsible for the detailed design of the vessels which will be built to USCG Subchapter T standards. The vessels will operate at 24 knots, powered by dual 625-kilowatt electric motors. The ferries will be 100 feet long with 26-foot beam and a 5.9-foot draft.