The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has released updated guidelines for its Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) incentive program, expanding eligibility and funding for vessel operators seeking to transition to zero-emission propulsion systems under the state’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE).
Under the revised framework, private, commercial, government, and military operators of vessels regulated under California’s CHC regulation are eligible to apply. The rule applies to a broad range of workboat categories including tugboats, towboats, crew and supply boats, pilot vessels, ferries, fishing and research vessels, dredges, and oil spill response vessels.
To qualify, CARB said applicants must comply with existing CHC reporting and emissions requirements.
For newbuilds, CARB’s updated voucher program offers up to $1 million for zero-emission replacements of combustion-powered harbor craft with propulsion systems of at least 19-kW. Additional enhancements include up to $100,000 for high-capacity charging or bunkering infrastructure.
Conversion projects are eligible for between $250,000 and $1 million, depending on the power rating, plus potential add-ons for charging or shore power equipment.
To qualify, CARB said new zero-emission vessels must be commercially ready, battery- or fuel-cell-powered, and capable of equivalent performance to a combustion-powered vessel of at least 19-kW. Hybrid systems with non-zero-emission auxiliary engines are not eligible.
Each approved vessel must be backed by a warranty covering key systems, including propulsion, electronics, and hull structure for at least three years or 6,500 operational hours.
CARB said it allows limited use of diesel generators for emergency or maintenance purposes, capped at 20 hours per year unless responding to a verifiable emergency.
Ghostworks Marine, Holland, Mich., announced it has become one of the first manufacturers certified by CARB to build and supply electric-powered vessels under the new rules. With the certification, Ghostworks said it can offer its zero-emission models to public agencies and private operators across California.
Silverback Marine, Tacoma, Wash., and Photon Marine, Portland, Ore., announced they have also been approved under the CARB/CORE program. The company noted their partnership offers commercial operators an entry point into electric propulsion through affordable, modular workboat platforms powered by Photon’s electric outboard systems.
CARB said the expanded voucher program is part of California’s broader effort to phase in zero-emission propulsion across its commercial harbor craft fleet. The regulation, first adopted in 2007 and updated in 2022, sets deadlines for replacing diesel-powered tugs, ferries, and other vessels operating in state waters with zero-emission or hybrid technologies.
