San Diego-Coronado ferries to go electric thanks to $15.2M state grant

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A cleaner, greener ride is on the horizon for San Diego Bay ferry passengers.

Flagship Cruises & Events, the company that operates the San Diego-Coronado ferry, has announced plans to launch two fully electric, zero-emission ferries—thanks to a $15.27 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The state funding, awarded through CARB’s Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Project, is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative using Cap-and-Trade dollars to cut greenhouse gases and improve public health.

“Flagship is excited to lead the way with an environmentally friendly sustainable transportation alternative for ferry passengers,” said Brad Engel, president of Flagship Cruises & Events. “We are grateful for CARB’s support to bring zero emission vessels to our San Diego-Coronado service with the first all-electric new build ferries in California.”

The new vessels will be powered by advanced battery technology and will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution associated with traditional diesel-powered ferries.

State and local leaders praised the project as a major step toward improving regional air quality.

“This investment by the State of California in fully electric zero emission ferries is a critical step toward cleaning our environment and reducing air pollution in San Diego,” said Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego). “I appreciate the leadership of Flagship Cruises & Events on this project as it demonstrates the commitment to a more sustainable future.”

The effort is being coordinated with the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) and aligns with the Port of San Diego’s ongoing “Green Port” initiatives to reduce emissions and improve community health around the bay.

“The electrification of transportation has a big impact on improving air quality, and SDAPCD is grateful to Flagship Cruises & Events for bringing San Diego County closer to clean air for all,” said Paula Forbis, SDAPCD air pollution control officer.

Construction of the vessels is scheduled to begin later this year, with the first electric ferry expected to launch by fall 2026. The total project cost is estimated at more than $21 million.

Port officials say the project fulfills key goals of the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy.

“We are thrilled to partner with Flagship and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District to deliver zero emission ferry services on San Diego Bay,” said Danielle Moore, chair of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “This is exactly the kind of collaborative effort we envisioned when we approved the Maritime Clean Air Strategy.”

The Engel family, who founded Flagship Cruises over a century ago, sees this move as a natural next chapter.

“Our family business launched in San Diego more than 100 years ago—and it has always depended upon sustainability—healthy air, clean water and the beauty of San Diego Bay,” said Art Engel, chairman of Flagship. “We are proud to be contributing to a thriving environment for the next 100 years.”

Flagship says it will continue engaging with the community and providing updates as the electric ferry project progresses.