Swedish maritime battery system supplier Echandia has been selected to supply battery systems for San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Programme.
This project is said to mark a significant step towards advancing zero-emission water transit in the San Francisco Bay area.
Echandia CEO Fredrik Hellström said: “This is a milestone achievement for our expansion into the North American market. This is so far probably the most prestigious maritime electrification project in the world to be a part of, and I think many others will look at this project as a benchmark moving forward. This really is a testament to the quality and safety of our battery systems.”
As part of the REEF Programme, San Francisco Bay Ferry is set to introduce a fleet of battery electric ferries, the first zero-emission high speed ferries in the USA. The first phase of this project includes the deployment of three 150-passenger battery electric ferries to operate on a network connecting emerging waterfront neighbourhoods in San Francisco, and two 400-passenger battery electric ferries serving current SF Bay Ferry routes in Oakland and Alameda. The first REEF vessel is expected to enter service in 2026, with the initial battery systems scheduled for delivery in Q2 2025.
SF Bay Ferry and its REEF integration team is working on designs for a new electric charging float for the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The float will have energy storage via battery banks to allow for rapid charging during dwell times at the terminal.
In July 2024, Echandia announced the opening of a production facility in Marysville, US. This facility will ensure that the San Francisco Bay’s new zero-emission vessels are powered with US-made batteries and FTA compliant. This means that Echandia’s battery systems will meet Buy America provisions, which require a certain percentage of the product’s components to be manufactured in the US.
Seamus Murphy, Executive Director San Francisco Bay Ferry said: “We’re proud to be working with Echandia to advance the nation’s first high-speed, high-capacity battery electric ferries in the United States. Among the many benefits of our programme will be the creation of new jobs and the expansion of the US zero-emission maritime industry. By opening this new facility, Echandia is helping us realise those benefits.”
Echandia has grown to become what is considered to be one of the leading maritime battery system providers, having delivered nearly 70 systems for electrification projects globally. Echandia says its battery systems are recognised as safe, resilient, and long-lasting.
Image: San Francisco Bay electric ferry (source: Echandia)
