Why Did Lou Seal Cross the Bay?

The Bay Area Council on Monday (Nov. 17) joined San Francisco Bay Ferry in celebrating the launch of the newest and cleanest ferry vessel on the Bay. The MV Zalophus is named after the scientific term for the California sea lion, a common sight on the bay, and it is the last — and cleanest — diesel vessel to be commissioned by the regional ferry agency. Going forward, all new SF Bay Ferry vessels will be zero emission, the first of which is already under construction and expected to enter service in early 2027. SF Giants mascot Lou Seal, a pinniped cousin of the sea lion, also joined the festivities, eager to ride the MV Zalophus to the ballpark.

“Adding MV Zalophus to the San Francisco Bay Ferry fleet means providing even more fast, reliable, clean transit for the Bay Area,” said SF Bay Ferry Board Chair and Bay Area Council CEO Jim Wunderman. “SF Bay Ferry is deeply committed to the Bay Area’s public health and air quality, and we’re very proud of our partnerships with agencies like the California Air Resources Board in meeting emissions standards for our region.” 

The Bay Area Council was instrumental in the creation of SF Bay Ferry and is proud to have advocated for funding to support the construction of this vessel and the future electrification of the full ferry fleet. As a result of our joint advocacy efforts, SF Bay Ferry is well on its way to becoming the cleanest passenger ferry fleet in the world. To engage in the Council’s water transit work, please contact Senior Vice President Emily Loper.