Sparks Fly as Work Begins on Nation’s First Battery-Electric Ferry, Coming to Bay Area in 2027

Outfitted in protective gear and wielding torches, Bay Area Council outgoing CEO and Chair of SF Bay Ferry Jim Wunderman joined SF Bay Ferry Executive Director Seamus Murphy recently to make the first welds for the keel of a new first-in-the-nation battery-electric passenger ferry. Wunderman and Murphy were part of a group that traveled to All American Marine in Bellingham, Washington, where the vessel is being built to mark the start of construction on what will be the first of three zero-emission ferries SF Bay Ferry has ordered as part of its Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) program. The Council was instrumental in the creation of the SF Bay Ferry system and has been a strong advocate for its expansion.

“Once again, the Bay Area leads the way,” Wunderman said. “This investment will connect new neighborhoods in San Francisco and lay the groundwork for widespread regional and national adoption of zero-emission water transit. This is an historic moment for SF Bay Ferry’s electrification efforts.”

The zero-emission vessels will operate on new SF Bay Ferry routes that connect the rest of the region to two of San Francisco’s fastest growing neighborhoods, Treasure Island and Mission Bay. The contract authorized for award by the Board of Directors includes an option for a fourth 150-passenger vessel. SF Bay Ferry is also exploring proposals for the purchase of two 400-passenger high-speed, battery-electric ferries to operate transbay routes connecting Oakland and Alameda to San Francisco.

In addition to the new battery-electric vessels, the REEF Program includes conversion of four diesel 400-passenger ferries to zero-emission technology, terminal electrification across the system, and expansion and electrification of the agency’s Central Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility in Alameda.