Coronado could be among the first cities in California to welcome passenger ferries that are designed and constructed with all-electric power.
Flagship Cruises & Events, in partnership with Aurora Marine Design, issued a bid package on Dec. 5 offering shipyards an opportunity to build the two vessels, which would replace diesel-powered ferries now running between the island and San Diego.
“We’re excited to reach this important stage of the project and move into the bid process,” said Brad Engel, Flagship Cruises & Events president.
The cruise line says Aurora Marine Design’s bid package marks a pivotal step in a project aimed at setting a national precedent for clean, modern maritime transit that advances state climate goals, protects air quality, and creates clean maritime jobs.
“We’re looking for an experienced shipbuilder to help us bring these groundbreaking vessels to life — and we’re on an accelerated timeline to get under contract,” said Shaun Green, president of Aurora Marine Design.
Expanding service
According to a joint press release, Flagship Cruises & Events and Aurora Marine Design lead the San Diego Zero-Emission Sustainable Transportation (ZEST) project replacing two aging diesel ferries in San Diego Bay at a cost of approximately $21 million.
This bid process announcement comes after Flagship Cruises & Events announced its goal to launch the first ferry by fall of 2026 earlier this year.
The release says the project is partially funded by a statewide initiative focused on improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities, from the California Air Resources Board, allocating $15.27 million. Flagship Cruises & Events is allocating $5.5 million.
According to the Flagship Cruises & Events website, ferry service between San Diego and Coronado began in 1886. Currently, a 65-foot Silvergate, built in 1940, transports 219 passengers in addition to the Cabrillo which has a capacity of 261 guests.
And now two new ferries will significantly increase capacity welcoming up to 70 additional riders.
The 275-passenger, fully ADA-accessible ferries will eliminate ferry-related emissions, reduce air pollution and noise, and improve air quality for disadvantaged communities near the bay while offering passengers a faster, quieter, and more comfortable ride experience, says the release.
Engel said development of the new vessels “marks a major step forward in advancing sustainable transportation on the waterfront.”
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a shipyard to help deliver the next chapter in American ferry design,” added Green.
The bid package details are online at: https://www.flagshipsd.com/eferry/rfp.
