Flagship Cruises & Events, San Diego, on Friday announced it will develop two fully electric, zero-emission ferries with grant support from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The ferries were designed by Aurora Marine Design, San Diego, in conjunction with Flagship president Brad Engel.
Flagship is in the request for proposal (RFP) process, and shipyards across the United States are in contention to build the new ferries, a company spokesperson told WorkBoat. Flagship said it expects construction to begin later this year with the first ferry scheduled to be launched by Fall 2026.
The ferries' power and propulsion systems have not been selected yet, the Flagship spokesperson said.
The new vessels will take over Coronado-San Diego routes currently serviced by the 85’ Cabrillo and 65’ Silvergate, a pair of diesel-fueled ferries built in 1964 and 1940.
The initiative is one of several zero-emission ferry projects currently underway in the U.S., as operators look to deploy battery-electric technologies to reduce their environmental footprint. Ferries, which generally operate on short, repeated routes with access to shoreside charging, are especially well-suited for full-electric propulsion.
“Flagship is excited to lead the way with an environmentally friendly sustainable transportation alternative for ferry passengers,” said Engel. “We are grateful for CARB’s support to bring zero emission vessels to our San Diego-Coronado service with the first all-electric new build ferries in California.”
Flagship said it was awarded a $15.27 million grant from CARB and that the total project cost exceeds $21 million.
The CARB Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Project grant is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses Cap-and-Trade revenue to support environmental, economic, and public health improvements. The Flagship project will be carried out in collaboration with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District.
“This is exactly the kind of collaborative effort we envisioned when we approved the Maritime Clean Air Strategy,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego board of port commissioners. “As a port of progress anchored in people, we are committed to doing our part to improve public health and advance zero emission transportation opportunities in our communities.”
“Our family business launched in San Diego more than 100 years ago, and it has always depended upon sustainability — healthy air, clean water and the beauty of San Diego Bay,” said Art Engel, chairman of Flagship. “We are proud to be contributing to a thriving environment for the next 100 years.”
