SAN DIEGO — The future of ferry transportation in San Diego is going green. Flagship Cruises & Events has been awarded a $15.27 million grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to develop two fully electric, zero-emission ferries for the San Diego-Coronado route. These new vessels will mark the first all-electric ferries of their kind in California, helping to reduce air pollution, improve public health, and advance the state’s environmental initiatives.
Flagship Cruises & Events, a family-owned company that has been a staple of San Diego’s maritime industry for over a century, is leading this sustainable transition. Brad Engel, President of Flagship Cruises & Events, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the new ferries will provide an environmentally friendly transportation alternative, furthering the company’s commitment to sustainability.
The zero-emission ferries will be equipped with advanced battery technology, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter associated with traditional combustion engines. The transition aligns with California’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions in public transportation.
“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 California Assemblymember David Alvarez (AD 80). “Flagship Cruises & Events is demonstrating its leadership in sustainability by embracing this cutting-edge technology and setting an example for maritime operators across the state.”
The CARB Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Project grant, part of California Climate Investments, is dedicated to using Cap-and-Trade dollars to fund environmentally conscious projects. The San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) will also be a key partner in implementing the Flagship project, working toward the region’s goal of cleaner air and sustainable transportation.
Paula Forbis, Air Pollution Control Officer for SDAPCD, emphasized the significance of transitioning to electric-powered ferries, stating that diesel emissions from traditional marine transportation have been a long-standing contributor to air pollution in Portside communities. “The electrification of transportation has a big impact on improving air quality, and we are grateful to Flagship Cruises & Events for bringing San Diego County closer to achieving clean air for all,” Forbis said.
The Port of San Diego is also backing the project as part of its Maritime Clean Air Strategy and Green Port initiatives. Chair Danielle Moore of the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing zero-emission transportation. “We are thrilled to work alongside Flagship and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District to deliver zero-emission ferry services on San Diego Bay. This is exactly the kind of collaborative effort we envisioned when we approved our clean air strategy,” said Moore.
Construction of the new fully electric ferries is expected to begin later this year, with the first vessel set to launch by Fall 2026. The total project cost is estimated to exceed $21 million, with additional financial contributions from Flagship Cruises & Events. The company plans to engage the local community throughout the project’s development, providing updates on construction progress and environmental impacts.
For Flagship Chairman Art Engel, the shift to zero-emission vessels is a natural extension of the company’s long-standing dedication to sustainability. “Our family business launched in San Diego more than 100 years ago, and it’s always depended on a healthy environment — clean air, clean water, and the beauty of San Diego Bay,” Engel said. “We are proud to be contributing to a thriving environment for the next 100 years.”
Established in San Diego in 1915, Flagship Cruises & Events operates the city’s largest fleet, including luxury yachts, jet boats, and the iconic Coronado Ferry. The company is known for offering premier tours, sightseeing excursions, dinner cruises, private charters, and whale-watching adventures.
Flagship is also committed to eco-friendly operations, featuring locally sourced sustainable seafood, shore power usage while docked, and state-of-the-art recycling and sanitation systems to reduce its environmental impact.
For more information about Flagship Cruises & Events and its commitment to sustainability, visit flagshipsd.com.
