All American Marine (AAM) recently hosted a keel-laying ceremony marking the start of construction on a series of new battery-electric vessels for San Francisco Bay Ferry. The new ferries are part of SF Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) Ferry Program, which aims to transition the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology.
AAM was awarded a $46 million contract in December 2024 to construct three 150-passenger vessels for San Francisco Bay Ferry, with an option for a fourth. Aurora Marine Design is serving as owner’s representative for the project.
Scheduled for delivery in 2027, the 100′ aluminum catamarans will provide efficient, emission-free service along new routes connecting San Francisco’s Treasure Island and Mission Bay to the rest of the region. A comprehensive hull design technology will offer an extended waterline that reduces drag, improve performance efficiency, and offer a smooth ride for passengers. The vessels will operate at 24 knots, powered by a pair of Echandia 219-kW battery packs and dual 625-kW electric motors.
The integrated propulsion system will be provided by Wärtsilä. They will supply the energy and power management system, the integrated automation system, batteries, DC hub, transformers, e-motors, and the shore power supply.
San Francisco Bay Ferry plans to phase out its use of conventionally fueled ferries. In April, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders was awarded a contract to design and construct two 400-passenger battery-electric ferries under San Francisco Bay Ferry’s REEF Program. The first of the catamarans is scheduled for delivery in 2028. San Francisco Bay Ferry is also repowering its 400-passenger Hydrus-class vessels to run on electric propulsion.