Enter our competition to help create the next generation of clean, affordable ferry service on San Francisco Bay
Overview: San Francisco Bay Ferry has designs for the nation’s first high-speed, zero-emission battery electric vessels as part of its ambitious Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program. The new zero-emission ferries are expected to launch in 2026.
The agency is seeking bids from American shipyards to build five battery electric ferries. Two 400-passenger vessels will serve Central Bay routes, while three 150-passenger vessels will connect San Francisco’s growing Treasure Island and Mission Bay neighborhoods.
“The updated design of the smaller vessels is focused on maximizing transit ridership and the rider experience,” stated SF Bay Ferry Executive Director Seamus Murphy.
“That means doing everything we can to provide a service that is comfortable, convenient, frequent and fast enough to make transit the primary option for commuters and residents traveling to and from these growing neighborhoods.”
SF Bay Ferry’s REEF Program extends beyond vessel construction. It also includes plans for a new electric charging float at the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal, electrification of the Treasure Island Ferry Terminal, and construction of a Mission Bay Ferry Terminal with electric vessel charging capabilities.
The first battery electric vessel is expected to enter service in 2026. San Diego-based Aurora Marine Design (AMD) collaborated with SF Bay Ferry and other REEF partners to complete the vessel design. The design features highly efficient propulsors for rapid docking, inherently safe battery technology supporting fast charging, and wider, self-deploying boarding ramps to improve disembarkation.
SF Bay Ferry’s REEF Program extends beyond vessel construction. It also includes plans for a new electric charging float at the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal, electrification of the Treasure Island Ferry Terminal, and construction of a Mission Bay Ferry Terminal with electric vessel charging capabilities.
What is the Contest?
SF Ferry Futures is an invitation to solve one of three “challenge” areas for SF Ferry. These are
1. The SF Bay Area lacks shipbuilding facilities.
2. Electricity costs are rising, which will impact the rider’s ticket price.
3. SF Ferry is seeking a U.S. company to manufacture large-scale, electrified hovercraft.
If your suggestion in one of these “challenge areas” proceeds past the first round, and is determined to be a winner, you will be invited, by SF Ferry, to contract your services to them.
Here’s more detail:
Contest Details
Challenge One: SF Ferry is seeking bids from American shipyards to build five battery-powered electric ferries. Two 400-passenger vessels will serve Central Bay routes, while three 150-passenger vessels will connect San Francisco’s growing Treasure Island and Mission Bay neighborhoods.
Do you operate a boatward or facility in the SF Bay Area that can build ships of the size described, and could provide a competitive bid? Do you have a partner that does?
Challenge Two: Electricity costs are rising, which will impact the rider’s ticket price. Do you have a way to provide power to SF Ferry, charging the batteries used on these vessels at 10% or more below market rates?
Challenge Three: Many potential service areas for SF Ferry are in areas too shallow to accomodate ordinary vessels. The agency is seeking hovercraft running on electric power that can accommodate 50+ passengers. Theese craft, when produced cannot exceed ____ in cost.