Switch Maritime’s Design Basis Agreement with the US Coast Guard for its 150-passenger hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry marks an important regulatory milestone for zero-emission passenger shipping in the US. LH2 Shipping has assisted Switch Maritime for their project development with a special focus on the onboard hydrogen system and the associated alternative risk-based design process contributing to developing a safe ship design in close dialogue with the US Coast Guard for the journey towards commercial operation this hydrogen-powered vessel.
The DBA establishes a defined regulatory framework to guide the next stages of the SWITCH-150 project, including vessel construction, commissioning and eventual operation.
Designed by naval architecture firm Incat Crowther, the SWITCH-150 combines hydrogen fuel cells with electric propulsion to support high-frequency passenger services at speeds and operating patterns comparable to conventional diesel ferries. The vessel is intended for operation in New York City, based at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The project builds on experience from Switch Maritime’s Sea Change, the first hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry in the United States to enter commercial passenger service. Lessons from its technical development, regulatory approval and operation are informing the next generation of hydrogen-powered vessels.
Safety and operational readiness
Hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion presents specific regulatory and operational requirements. As the existing US Coast Guard framework for smaller passenger vessels does not contain regulatory rules or guidance tailored specifically to hydrogen propulsion and storage, Switch Maritime and its project partners have worked directly with the Coast Guard to establish an approach addressing safety and risk mitigation.
LH2 Shipping have contributed with its expertise in hydrogen propulsion systems and risk assessment, supporting Switch Maritime with the regulatory approvals toward the US Coast Guard.
Enabling Zero-Emission Shipping
This work forms part of the broader effort to ensure that hydrogen-powered vessels can be integrated safely into established passenger transport operations.
The SWITCH-150 project has received a USD 2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support the development and demonstration of New York State’s first hydrogen-powered ferry.
The Coast Guard agreement marks an important development milestone for Switch Maritime and its project team as work continues towards commercial deployment.
Read the full press release from Switch Maritime: SWITCH Maritime Receives Design Basis Agreement from US Coast Guard for 150-Passenger Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Electric Ferry ( 2026-10-21).
LH2 Shipping is assisting Switch Maritime developing their portfolio with our hydrogen system and risk assessment focus, whilst also have a position in the company's Advisory Board. Read more about our involvement in the Switch Maritime Ships Projects: https://www.lh2shipping.no/projects.
Featured photo: SWITCH Maritime LLC