When launched in mid-2019 the Water-Go-Round will be the first fuel cell vessel in the US and the first commercial fuel cell ferry in the world. The completion of this project represents a global paradigm shift for marine vessel power. Built by GGZEM and its partners, this vessel will serve as a demonstration to the commercial and regulatory community at large. Performance will be independently measured by Sandia National Laboratories.
4.92 MW installed fuel cell power, 1,200 kg liquid hydrogen (LH2)
GGZEM adviser Charlie Walther volunteers with design and construction of a traditional wooden tall ship, Matthew Turner, which will serve as an experiential learning platform for Bay Area youth. This 132-foot, two-masted sailing vessel looks 150-years old but has state-of-the art hybrid technology that can charge its batteries with solar panels and while under sail through generators connected to its propellers. All electrical needs on the ship will come from the batteries, including the twin 265-hp electric motors.
Far from the realm of theory, our team lives and breathes this work. We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue our passions while making an impact on an industry that has touched our lives in meaningful ways. Want to get involved? Reach out and join us on the journey to a cleaner, brighter future.
The Technology Behind the Water-Go-Round
At the heart of the Water-Go-Round is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system, which converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity through an electrochemical reaction. The only byproducts are pure water and heat, making it an exceptionally clean power source. Because the vessel stores hydrogen in its liquid form at cryogenic temperatures, it achieves a far higher energy density than compressed gas systems, enabling longer range and greater operational flexibility for a ferry of this size.
The fuel cell output is integrated with a bank of lithium-ion batteries that provide load-following and peak power support. Electric motors drive the vessel's propulsion, and all onboard systems—from navigation to lighting—are powered by the zero-emission energy system. This hybrid architecture ensures smooth, responsive performance while maximizing efficiency and minimizing wear on the fuel cells.
- PEM fuel cells: High efficiency and rapid response to load changes.
- Liquid hydrogen storage: Maximizes energy density and extends range.
- Battery integration: Provides peak shaving and regenerative energy capture.
- Electric propulsion: Quiet, smooth, and maintenance-friendly.
A New Era for Maritime Power
Shipping is one of the largest sources of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions globally, and regulatory pressure is mounting. The International Maritime Organization has set targets to reduce carbon intensity by at least 40% by 2030 and pursue 70% by 2050. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a viable path to meet these goals for short-sea shipping, ferries, and harbor craft, where battery-only solutions are often impractical due to weight and range limitations.
The Water-Go-Round is more than a demonstration; it is a paradigm shift. As the first commercial fuel cell ferry in the world, it proves that this technology can meet the rigorous demands of daily passenger service. Its success will encourage other operators to adopt zero-emission vessels, driving down costs through economies of scale and accelerating the transition to a sustainable maritime industry.
This vessel is not just a ferry; it is a floating laboratory for the future of marine propulsion.
Independent Validation by Sandia National Laboratories
To ensure credibility and foster industry confidence, the performance of the Water-Go-Round is being independently measured by Sandia National Laboratories. Sandia's role includes collecting detailed operational data on fuel cell efficiency, hydrogen consumption, emissions, and system reliability. This rigorous, third-party evaluation provides an unbiased assessment of the technology's real-world capabilities.
The data collected will be shared with regulators, classification societies, and the broader maritime community. It will inform the development of safety standards, operational guidelines, and future vessel designs. Transparency is essential for the adoption of any new technology, and we are committed to providing open, verifiable evidence of our vessel's performance.
The Matthew Turner: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
While the Water-Go-Round represents the cutting edge of marine propulsion, the Matthew Turner project demonstrates that sustainability can be woven into the fabric of maritime heritage. This 132-foot wooden tall ship, built by volunteers and advised by GGZEM's Charlie Walther, serves as an experiential learning platform for Bay Area youth. Students aboard the Matthew Turner gain hands-on experience in sailing, seamanship, and environmental stewardship.
Beneath its traditional appearance, the Matthew Turner is equipped with a state-of-the-art hybrid electric system. Solar panels mounted on deck and regeneration from the propellers while under sail charge a large battery bank. These batteries power the vessel's twin 265-horsepower electric motors, providing clean, quiet propulsion when winds are light or maneuvering in harbor. The system eliminates the need for a diesel generator for most operations, dramatically reducing emissions and noise.
This fusion of old and new illustrates a core principle of GGZEM: sustainability is not about abandoning the past but about enhancing it with intelligent design. The Matthew Turner inspires the next generation to see that tradition and technology can work hand in hand to protect our oceans and planet.
A Cleaner Future for the Bay and Beyond
The San Francisco Bay Area is a hub of maritime activity, but its ports and waterways have long suffered from diesel exhaust pollution. By replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen and electricity, projects like the Water-Go-Round and the Matthew Turner are helping to clean the air for waterfront communities and reduce the region's carbon footprint. Every zero-emission voyage is a step toward healthier, more livable cities.
Looking ahead, GGZEM envisions a future where hydrogen fuel cells power not only ferries but also tugboats, research vessels, and even larger cargo ships. The infrastructure for producing and distributing green hydrogen is growing rapidly, and with continued investment and policy support, the maritime industry can achieve dramatic emissions reductions. The projects featured here are just the beginning of a transformation that will redefine how we move across the water.