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Flagship Cruises details $21 million electric ferry project with stops serving National City waterfront
Summary
Flagship Cruise & Events announced a $21 million plan to build two zero‑emission passenger ferries serving the San Diego waterfront, citing a $15.27 million CARB grant matched by company funds and saying the project will benefit National City residents with new jobs and cleaner air.
Flagship Cruise & Events told the National City City Council on Aug. 12 that it will bring two battery‑electric passenger ferries to San Diego Bay with stops at Broadway Pier, Fifth Avenue Landing and Coronado, and that the company expects the vessels to be in service in 2026. Corsha Wersham, Flagship’s public relations and communications manager, said the vessels would be “California’s first newly built electric passenger ferries” and estimated the program’s combined public and private funding at roughly $21.0 million.
Wersham told council members the project is funded in large part by a $15,270,000 grant from the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) sustainable heavy‑duty programs, matched by Flagship’s $5,500,000 contribution. “They will operate quietly, produce no greenhouse gas emissions during operations, and deliver cleaner air for communities while also expanding the maritime workforce,” she said.
Why it matters: The project links a climate‑focused state grant with a private match and a major Port of San Diego initiative. Flagship and Port partners framed the ferries as both an air‑quality and workforce strategy; council members and several audience members discussed ridership, fares and landing infrastructure during the presentation.
Details and next steps: Wersham said each ferry will carry about 275 passengers and will be fully ADA accessible, with expanded bicycle and stroller capacity. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with the first ferry launching in 2026. Flagship cited partnership with the San Diego Air Pollution Control District and port leadership; Wersham invited council members to a presentation at the portside steering committee on Aug. 26.
Local response and questions: Council members and audience speakers welcomed the environmental aim but pressed Flagship on economics and ridership. In public comment, a resident questioned how often ferries would be full and said the $9 single‑ride fare the company discussed could limit regular use by local riders. Wersham said she would take fare and payment feedback to the project team.
What the council did: Council received the presentation; no vote or contract was taken. City staff said Flagship would return as required when the Port or the company seeks city approvals tied to landings or local agreements.
Ending: Flagship framed the vessels as a pilot for clean maritime technology and workforce pathways; the company and Port will continue technical, permitting and community outreach ahead of construction.
