Friday, February 14, 2025

Bae Systems News

(Photo: Henry Sohl / U.S. Navy)

BAE Systems Awarded $92 Million to Build Propulsors for US Navy Submarines

BAE Systems announced it has been awarded a $92 million U.S. Navy contract to continue building propulsors for the Virginia-class submarine program. Under this contract, BAE Systems will deliver the Propulsor Forward Assemblies, as well as design engineering support services and support and sustainment hardware.“During the more than three decades that BAE Systems has manufactured propulsors for the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet, we have developed significant expertise in the fabrication of complex heavy structures…

Sea Change, the country's first passenger ferry powered by hydrogen fuel cells, in San Francisco. (Photo: WETA)

Hydrogen-powered Ferry Sea Change Set to Enter Service

The first-of-its-kind hydrogen-fueled ferry Sea Change will soon begin public service, providing zero-emissions transport for passengers in San Francisco Bay.The groundbreaking commercial passenger vessel is the world’s first powered 100% by zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells. It was developed by owner SWITCH Maritime with grant support from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as a solution to reduce emissions from the marine transportation system.A group of private and public sector partners came together to officially launch the Sea Change on July 12…

Sea Change will soon enter commercial operations in the San Francisco Bay Area (Photo: SWITCH Maritime)

US' First Hydrogen-powered Ferry Sea Change Cleared to Enter Service

The United States' first hydrogen-powered ferry, Sea Change, has cleared a key regulatory hurdle, marking a major step on the groundbreaking vessel's long and winding journey toward commercial operations in the San Francisco Bay Area.SWITCH Maritime, the company behind the zero-emissions ferry project, announced it received a Certificate of Inspection (COI) from the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday, clearing way for the first-of-its-kind vessel to officially enter service.“This COI represents the culmination of years of close collaboration with the U.S.

(Image: Derecktor Shipyards)

Derecktor Building Hybrid Ferries for Chatham Area Transit

Derecktor Shipyards New York is building a pair of hybrid ferries for Savannah, Ga. based Chatham Area Transit (CAT). Delivery is expected in 2024.The two 65-foot-long, 50-passenger ferries will be equipped with an electric propulsion package from BAE Systems, including permanent magnet traction motors and HybriGen Power system. Each vessel will feature a 308 kWh energy storage system (ESS) from Xalt Energy and a pair of Marine Jet Power (MJP) Ultrajet 305 waterjets.The ferries are being built to operate on short…

Sea Change (Photo: SWITCH Maritime)

SWITCH Maritime Raises $10 Million to Grow Its Green Ferry Fleet

SWITCH Maritime announced plans to grow its U.S. fleet of zero-emission ferries following the completion of a $10 million in a Series A round led by Nexus Development Capital.Founded in 2018, SWITCH’s mission is to enable private and public municipal ferry operators to more easily replace their carbon-intensive, diesel-powered fleets while reducing operating and fueling costs over the lifetime of their vessels.The fundraise comes on the back of the completion of its flagship zero-emission vessel…

Marcelle Melosira (Photo: Derecktor Shipyards)

Hybrid Research Vessel Delivered to University of Vermont

Derecktor Shipyards NY in Mamaroneck, N.Y. announced it has delivered a new hybrid research catamaran to the University of Vermont (UVM). The innovative vessel, Marcelle Melosira, will serve as a floating classroom and laboratory, enabling advanced research operations and hands-on educational programs.Designed by Chartwell Marine and built in collaboration with UVM and Chartwell, the 64-foot research catamaran has been crafted to fulfill the functions outlined by UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources.

(Photo: Jackson Offshore)

Caterpillar to Pilot Hybrid Solution on a Jackson Offshore PSV

Power solutions provider Caterpillar Marine is partnering with Jackson Offshore Operators to pilot an integrated hybrid energy solution that will help the Louisiana-based offshore marine services firm reduce fuel consumption and diesel exhaust emissions on board one of its platform supply vessels (PSV), the companies announced Wednesday.The solution, which will include a new energy storage system (ESS) to compliment the vessel's existing twin 2,815 hp Caterpillar 3516C main diesel generators and twin 1…

(Image: BAE Systems)

With HybriGen, BAE Systems Helps the Maritime Industry to Decarbonize

As the maritime industry continues along its emissions reduction journey, one company helping to lead the way is BAE Systems, a firm that’s been involved with electric and hybrid propulsion for over 25 years.“We’re all about helping maritime operators get to zero emissions, and it doesn’t matter if it’s all-electric, a hybrid application or even fuel cell. We have the technology to help operators achieve lower emissions and keep operating just as they’re used to with conventional based propulsion…

(Image: Green City Ferries)

NYC's First Zero-emissions Passenger Ferry Slated for 2024 Launch

A newly announced zero-emissions electric ferry scheduled for launch in 2024 will be the first to service New York City as the marine industry continues to make strides to decarbonize its operations.The high-speed passenger vessel is the result of a partnership between local operator New York Cruise Lines and Stockholm-based Green City Ferries AB (GCF). It will be operated by New York Cruise Lines subsidiary New York Water Taxi on the Hudson River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.The newbuild, a Beluga24 catamaran developed by GCF, will have a capacity of 147 passengers and 28 bicycles.

Sea Change (Photo: All American Marine)

Hydrogen as Fuel: Possibilities, But…

Hydrogen is everywhere. You know that from high school chemistry. And you also know it from Marine News’ almost daily updates about H powered vessel projects around the world.As a fuel that could potentially replace fossil fuels, H is in the spotlight. Perhaps the brightest spotlight, at least in the U.S., is within the Department of Energy’s “Energy Earthshots” initiative.R&D on H was the first such Earthshot announced last year. DOE wants the “Hydrogen Shot” program to “accelerate…

Green City Ferries announced today the award of contracts for key suppliers to provide the emission-free propulsion system for Beluga24 – the world’s first high-speed emission-free catamaran passenger ferry. Image courtesy Green City Ferries

Key Suppliers On Board for Green City Ferries' Beluga24

An innovative ferry design from Sweden-based Green City Ferries, the Beluga24 comes with two emission-free options: battery electric for short journeys and hydrogen fuel cell for long ones. Designed as a multipurpose solution for public transportation with space for 147 passengers and 28 bicycles, it will be built in light-weight carbon fiber and with a foil-assisted hull."The key to build an emission-free passenger ferry is to combine light-weight hull technologies, energy efficient design and a propulsion system that is both highly effective and light weight.

(Image: Senesco Marine)

Senesco to Build Hybrid-electric Vessel for Maine State Ferry Service

North Kingstown, R.I. shipyard Senesco Marine said it has been selected by the Maine Department of Transportation to build a new hybrid-electric passenger vessel for the Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS).The 154-foot passenger-vehicle ferry, designed by Gilbert Associates, will be equipped with BAE Systems’ electric hybrid propulsion solution to deliver reduced and zero-emission operations capability for the Rockland-based ferry service that serves nearly 500,000 riders and 190…

Image courtesy BAE Systems

BAE Systems Debuts Next-gen Boat Propulsion System

BAE Systems launched its next-generation power and propulsion system for the marine market: the HybriGen Power and Propulsion system. According to the company, the system uses smaller and lighter components with modular accessory power system (MAPS) and modular power control system (MPCS) that allow for a scalable, tailor-made solution to fit the specific power and propulsion requirements of a range of vessels, from sailboats and tugs to passenger ferries.“Using a modular design…

(Photo: All American Marine)

US’ First 100% Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered Commercial Vessel Launched

The United States' first zero-emissions, hydrogen fuel cell-powered, electric-drive ferry has been launched and is gearing up for operational trials off the U.S. West Coast.Constructed by Bellingham, Wash. shipbuilder All American Marine, Inc. (AAM), SWITCH Maritime's 70-foot newbuild Sea Change will operate in the California Bay Area as the United States' first hydrogen fuel cell vessel, developed to demonstrate a pathway to commercialization for zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell marine technologies. While still working on permitting of hydrogen fuel systems for maritime vessels with the U.S.

(Image: BAE Systems)

University of Vermont Orders Hybrid-electric Research Vessel

The University of Vermont has ordered a new research vessel featuring an emissions-reducing electric power and propulsion system.The 64-foot aluminum catamaran, designed by Chartwell Marine and currently under construction at Derecktor Shipyards, will be equipped with a hybrid-electric power and propulsion system supplied and integrated by BAE Systems. The newbuilt is set for launch in April 2022.According to BAE Systems, its HybriGen Power and Propulsion system will help reduce both carbon emissions and the use of fuel by the vessel…

A BAE Systems Type 26 Frigate, HMS Glasgow, under construction. The Type 26 Frigate is the reference ship design for the Hunter Class Frigates.

BAE Systems Orders Propeller Blade from VEEM for Hunter Class Frigates

Australia-based VEEM, a company designing and building marine propulsion and stabilization systems, will manufacture a pilot propeller blade for the Hunter Class Frigate Program (HCFP), under a contract awarded by BAE Systems Maritime Australia."The order enables VEEM to demonstrate it has the manufacturing capability to join the HCFP supply chain. As a world leader in premium commercial propellers that has delivered similar blades to defense clients globally, VEEM is very confident it can meet the requirements of the HCFP…

Joe Hudspeth (Photo: BAE Systems)

Interview: Joe Hudspeth, BAE Systems

Joe Hudspeth is the Director of Business Development for Global Marine at BAE Systems in Endicott, N.Y. BAE Systems offers complete, efficient propulsion and auxiliary power systems utilizing electric technology. Hudspeth has been involved with maritime sales, marketing and product development since 2000. He currently serves as a regional co-chairman for the Passenger Vessel Association, is a judge for the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association student design competition, and frequently speaks and writes on maritime and ferry related issues. Hudspeth lives in Bellingham, Wash.

A foil ferry designed to use battery electric propulsion (Image: Glosten)

Electric Propulsion: The Dawn of a New Generation of Marine Power?

Technological advancement is opening new doors for hybrid and fully electric vessels.In mid-2020, the U.S. Navy accepted the delivery of the USS Zumwalt, the Navy’s first full-electric power and propulsion surface combatant. The ship’s new electric propulsion plant provides favorable efficiency coupled with a reduced total cost of ownership. The design is flexible and efficient to deliver power where it’s needed, when it’s needed. Its adoption is symbolic of a maritime future and what could be in store for other marine craft…