Flagship Cruises & Events, in partnership with Aurora Marine Design and with the support from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, released an official bid package inviting shipyards to compete for the opportunity to build California’s first newly constructed all-electric passenger ferries.
This marks a milestone in the San Diego Zero-Emission Sustainable Transportation (ZEST) project—an initiative aimed at setting a national precedent for clean, modern maritime transit.
The ZEST Project will launch two zero-emission vessels to replace aging diesel ferries on the high-ridership Coronado–San Diego route on San Diego Bay. The transformation will eliminate all ferry-related emissions, reduce air pollution and noise, and improve air quality for disadvantaged communities near the bay—all while offering passengers a faster, quieter, and more comfortable ride experience.
Backed by more than $21 million in public-private investment, the project is funded in part by $15.27 million from the California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) program, part of California Climate Investments (CCI), along with a $5.5 million cost share from Flagship Cruises & Events. The initiative aligns directly with the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, serving as a scalable model for clean transit solutions across the state and beyond.
The 275-passenger, fully ADA-accessible ferries will include space for bicycles and strollers, cutting-edge shoreside charging infrastructure, and will help train and upskill 50 local workers in clean maritime technologies.
Aurora Marine Design’s bid package includes complete vessel specifications, preliminary drawings, and detailed construction requirements. Shipyards interested in bidding are encouraged to review the package promptly, as selection and contracting are expected soon. Shipyards can view the bid package and submission details at https://www.flagshipsd.com/eferry/rfp.