The 275-passenger, fully ADA-accessible ferries will include space for bicycles and strollers, shoreside charging infrastructure. Their construction will help train and 50 local workers in clean maritime technologies. Aurora Marine Design image.
Flagship Cruises & Events, San Diego, in partnership with Aurora Marine Design and support from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, released an official bid package Dec. 5 inviting shipyards to compete for the opportunity to build California’s first newly constructed all-electric passenger ferries.
Flagship Cruises & Events, San Diego, in partnership with Aurora Marine Design and support from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, released an official bid package Dec. 5 inviting shipyards to compete for the opportunity to build California’s first newly constructed all-electric passenger ferries.
The partners say it’s a pivotal step in the San Diego Zero-Emission Sustainable Transportation (ZEST) project, aiming to set “a national precedent for clean, modern maritime transit.” The goal is to build and launch two “zero-emission vessels” to replace aging diesel ferries on the high-ridership Coronado – San Diego route on San Diego Bay.
“The transformation will eliminate all ferry-related emissions, reduce air pollution and noise, and improve air quality for disadvantaged communities near the bay – all while offering passengers a faster, quieter, and more comfortable ride experience,” the partners say.
Sponsors say the project has more than $21 million in public-private investment, funded in part by $15.27 million from the California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) program.
SHIFT is part of California Climate Investments (CCI), along with a $5.5 million cost share from Flagship Cruises & Events. “The initiative aligns directly with the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, serving as a scalable model for clean transit solutions across the state and beyond,” according to te partners.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a shipyard to help deliver the next chapter in American ferry design,” said Shaun Green, president of Aurora Marine Design. “With the bid package…we’re looking for an experienced shipbuilder to help us bring these groundbreaking vessels to life—and we’re on an accelerated timeline to get under contract.”
"We’re excited to reach this important stage of the project and move into the bid process,” said Brad Engel, president of Flagship Cruises & Events. “Bringing in a shipyard to construct the first purpose-built ferries of their kind – with capacity for 275 passengers – marks a major step forward in advancing sustainable transportation on the waterfront. This milestone represents real progress for our team and for the future of ferry service in San Diego.”
Flagship and Aurora say the design for 275-passenger, fully ADA-accessible ferries will include space for bicycles and strollers, cutting-edge shoreside charging infrastructure, and will help train and upskill 50 local workers in clean maritime technologies.
Shipyards can obtain Aurora Marine Design’s bid package includeing complete vessel specifications, preliminary drawings, and detailed construction requirements.
“Shipyards interested in bidding are encouraged to review the package promptly, as selection and contracting are expected soon,” Flagship and Aurora officials say. Shipyards can view the bid package and submission details by visiting https://www.flagshipsd.com/eferry/rfp
