Skip to main content

Cross the San Francisco Bay in this zero-emissions ferry

This ferry produces zero emissions and is free to ride

By Mark Reif Jul 17, 2024 8:55 AM

The Golden Gate Bridge — Bogdan Vacarciuc / Shutterstock

Beginning July 19, the MV Sea Change will navigate the San Francisco Bay, emitting only water vapor and costing nothing to ride. During the trip from Pier 41 to the Downtown San Francisco Bay Terminal, hydrogen fuel cells provide power, making the trip carbon-free. It’s a big moment for green-conscious transportation.

The project culminates a private/public partnership, paving the way for a zero-emissions future. Here’s what you need to know.

Recommended Videos

MV Sea Change: An exciting look at zero-emissions tech

MV Sea Change fuel cell ferry — San Francisco Bay Ferry

During its initial 6-month demonstration period, the MV Sea Change puts passengers up close with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Not only is water the only byproduct, but some will get remineralized and routed to an onboard water fountain. Officials from both the public and private sectors shared in their enthusiasm for the project.

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “California is a global leader in the fight against the climate crisis, pioneering new technologies to ramp up clean energy and cut pollution — that’s why the zero-emission Sea Change is so exciting.”

Austin Knight, VP, Hydrogen at Chevron New Energies, commented, “The Sea Change is a real-world, practical example of how the government and private sector can work together to help demonstrate the commercial viability and increase consumer confidence in hydrogen.”

SWITCH Maritime owns the ship, and a California Air Resources Board (CARB) grant helped with development costs. Sponsors like Chevron New Energies, United Airlines, and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway, and Transportation District made free fares during the six-month demo possible.

Development of the Sea Change occurred in California, with Bellingham, Washington’s All American Marine building the final product. The ship is a 70-foot catamaran with room for 75 passengers. An integrated hydrogen power system from Zero Emissions Industries (ZEI) provides 600kW of motor propulsion, 360kW of PEM fuel cells, and 100 kWh of Li-Ion battery storage. Service speed is 8-12 knots, and the top speed is 15 knots.

Mark Reif is a storyteller focused on the intersection of outdoor culture, travel, and design. From the peaks of Banff to the… Read Full Bio

Topics

Destinations

Copenhagen: Five days in Scandinavia’s most livable city

City, Architecture, Building

Some trips spend years on your wish list before they finally happen. Copenhagen was one of those destinations for us. We had talked about visiting Denmark for years, drawn by its reputation for clean design, remarkable quality of life, and a city where bicycles outnumber automobiles. When we finally spent five summer days there in 2026, we discovered something even better. Copenhagen isn’t just attractive—it is remarkably easy to enjoy. Everything works. Public transportation is outstanding, the harbor is alive with boats, the food is excellent, and almost every neighborhood feels welcoming, safe, and effortlessly stylish. And, in the summer, everyone is living outside and basking in the sun. This was reinforced for us when my wife chatted with an American woman who had spent the last four summers in the city with her family. She felt that it was both an exciting change from suburban America but also safe enough to give their kids a longer leash than they would at home.

If you’re thinking about a first visit, here’s what stood out.

Copenhagen was just named the world’s most livable city. After spending half my year here, I’m not surprised.

Copenhagen

Every few months, I swap Ohio for Copenhagen.

For roughly five or six months of the year, Denmark’s capital becomes home. My boyfriend lives here, which means I’ve had the rare opportunity to experience Copenhagen beyond the typical long weekend itinerary. I’ve settled into routines that make the city feel familiar, from stopping by Netto for groceries to grabbing what I still maintain is the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had from Lagkagehuset. I’ve spent warm afternoons swimming at Ofelia Plads and Nordhavn, wandered through neighborhoods that rarely make first-time visitor guides, and discovered that some of the city’s best moments happen when there’s no plan at all.

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.