Incat Crowther Designing Fuel-Cell Ferry for New York
•February 19, 2026
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Why It Matters
The ferry proves hydrogen propulsion can replace diesel without costly infrastructure, accelerating maritime decarbonisation. It offers a scalable model for high‑frequency commuter routes worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- •28‑metre ferry carries 150 passengers at 25 knots
- •Uses 720 kg compressed hydrogen for full‑day range
- •Drop‑in design avoids new charging infrastructure
- •Backed by $2 million NYSERDA grant
- •Demonstrates viability for global high‑frequency routes
Pulse Analysis
Hydrogen fuel‑cell technology is emerging as a pragmatic alternative to battery‑electric ferries, especially for routes where charging infrastructure is prohibitive. The Incat Crowther‑SWITCH Maritime collaboration leverages compressed hydrogen storage to match diesel‑like speed and range, addressing a key barrier to zero‑emission adoption in the maritime sector. By sidestepping the need for shore‑side power upgrades, the New York demonstration showcases how existing ferry schedules can remain unchanged while cutting emissions dramatically.
The 28‑metre vessel’s engineering focuses on operational parity with conventional ferries. With 720 kg of hydrogen, the ferry can sustain a full day of service at 25 knots, transporting 150 passengers comfortably across New York’s waterways. Its drop‑in architecture means operators can integrate the craft into current fleets without redesigning docks or terminals. Passenger amenities such as spacious decks, wheelchair‑accessible facilities, and panoramic windows enhance the travel experience, proving that sustainability need not compromise comfort.
Policy support amplifies the project’s impact. A US$2 million grant from NYSERDA’s Innovation and Research program underscores state commitment to clean‑hydrogen ecosystems. Success in New York could catalyze similar deployments on high‑frequency commuter routes across the United States and internationally, offering a template for regulators and operators seeking rapid decarbonisation. As global maritime emissions tighten, hydrogen‑powered ferries like this one may become the preferred solution for operators demanding both performance and environmental stewardship.
Incat Crowther Designing Fuel-Cell Ferry for New York
Incat Crowther has begun detailed development and naval architecture on a hydrogen fuel cell‑electric fast ferry design, with initial deployment targeted for New York waters.
Incat Crowther is working on the design and regulatory approval process for the new 28‑metre vessel in partnership with zero‑emission vessel developer SWITCH Maritime. The project includes a global team with expertise spanning ferry operations, electric propulsion, and hydrogen system safety. From their office in New York City, SWITCH is actively advancing project development activities beyond vessel design. The project team is planning to deploy a ZEF‑150 demonstration based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The new vessel is designed to align with local operational requirements and pre‑existing infrastructure. The vessel’s world‑leading hydrogen fuel cell‑electric propulsion and hydrogen storage systems ensure the new ferry can maintain an operational profile similar to that of a diesel vessel.
This means parallel service speeds, a daily bunkering schedule, no need to increase dwell time or alter service to account for vessel charging, and no investment in costly shoreside charging infrastructure and power grid upgrades. The drop‑in nature of the technology ensures the new hydrogen fuel cell‑electric ferry will seamlessly integrate into current operations, rather than requiring schedule changes or a system‑wide reorientation.
In this project, vessel modernization and emission reduction will be achieved through the deployment of hydrogen fuel over other low and zero emission technologies. The use of hydrogen fuel in this case offers considerable flexibility and presents a zero‑emission transport solution for fleets with longer range requirements and those operating in areas where shoreside charging for battery‑electric propulsion may not be technically or economically feasible.
The new 28‑metre hydrogen fuel cell‑electric ferry will be capable of transporting 150 passengers at a cruising speed of 25 knots. The operationally flexible vessel will have 720 kilograms of stored, compressed hydrogen capacity giving it the ability to operate on a range of routes across New York ferry networks with a full day of operational range.
Although the New York market will be its first deployment, the vessel is well equipped to perform on longer, high‑frequency commuter routes in both the United States and around the world.
In addition to operational flexibility, the new vessel’s design will also prioritize the passenger experience. The vessel’s spacious main deck will feature comfortable seating for 150 passengers, ample luggage storage, a kiosk, three bathrooms including a wheelchair‑accessible bathroom, and large windows to allow passengers to enjoy the iconic views on New York’s waterways.
The development of New York’s first hydrogen fuel cell electric ferry, which is supported by a US$2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), builds on the successful partnership between Incat Crowther and SWITCH. The two companies have recently partnered on the design, delivery and regulatory approval for Sea Change – the world’s first zero‑emissions hydrogen fuel cell‑powered electric‑drive high‑speed passenger ferry. Sea Change, developed and managed by SWITCH, now operates in the California Bay Area.
SWITCH Maritime’s Co‑founder and CEO Elias Van Sickle said: “SWITCH aims to provide operators with commercially viable vessels that future‑proof ferry fleets. Our objective is to meet existing performance standards with drop‑in solutions that don’t require overhauling systems or schedules. And if it can be done in New York, it can be done anywhere.”
Incat Crowther’s Technical Manager Dan Mace said: “The design of this vessel showcases a feasible solution for mass transit operators looking to begin the fleet decarbonization process, while maintaining existing operational profiles. The vessel’s ability to drop in to existing New York fleets is a real positive step to reduce emissions, and ensures the vessel can be deployed quickly without the need for constructing additional shoreside infrastructure.”
NYSERDA’s support, through its Innovation and Research Advanced Fuels and Thermal Energy Research program, builds ecosystems for clean hydrogen and other low‑carbon alternative fuels.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “NYSERDA’s partnership with SWITCH Maritime and Incat Crowther on the first hydrogen fuel cell‑electric ferry is a catalyst for the future of zero‑emission transportation in New York State. This demonstration is an impressive showcase for clean hydrogen as an emerging and innovative technology that is on the cusp of transforming how people move from place to place.”
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