The world's first hydrogen-powered commercial passenger ferry, the MV Sea Change, will begin operations on San Francisco Bay on July 19, as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions from diesel-powered vessels. The 70-foot catamaran can transport up to 75 passengers and will run between Pier 41 and the downtown San Francisco ferry terminal for free for six months as part of a pilot program. The technology, using fuel cells that combine oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity, has the potential to revolutionize the shipping industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Backers believe hydrogen fuel cells could also power container ships in the future. While environmental groups raise concerns about the production of hydrogen using natural gas, proponents believe that with the increasing use of renewable energy sources, hydrogen production will become a cleaner and more cost-effective process. The project was financed and managed by investment firm SWITCH Maritime and constructed in California and Washington.