The 150-passenger vessel will be deployed in the New York ferry network after the project secured $2m in funding from the state’s Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Incat says the ship’s fuel cell electric propulsion system will allow a cruising speed of 25 knots with a range for a “full day” of operations.

The company says this operational profile is comparable to that of a diesel boat and suggests it could be rolled out beyond New York for longer, high-frequency commuter routes.

Proponents say hydrogen ferries could support the decarbonisation of maritime transport, offering long operational range and fast refuelling.

However, many early hydrogen movers in maritime have struggled to sustain operations amid tightening investment conditions and long commercialisation timelines.

In September 2025, Zero Emission Industries – which previously collaborated on Switch vessels – shut down its operations due to shifting market conditions and capital constraints.