Frequently Asked Questions
Zero-Emission Sustainable Transportation
What is the ZEST Project?
The ZEST Project will bring California’s first newly built, battery-electric passenger ferries to San Diego Bay. These ferries will replace Flagship’s diesel vessels serving the highridership Coronado route—cutting air pollution, reducing noise, and improving rider experience.
Who is behind the project?
ZEST is led by Flagship Cruises & Events with support from SDAPCD, the Port of San Diego, Aurora Marine Design, and Momentum— bringing together vessel operations, public oversight, technical design, and community engagement
What is the service area?
The new battery-electric ferries will operate between:
- Broadway Pier
- 5th Avenue Landing (Convention Center)
- Coronado Ferry Landing
They’ll replace the MV Cabrillo and MV Silvergate, using the same popular route.
What is changing for riders?
- Quieter, smoother rides with no diesel noise or fumes
- Fully ADA accessible vessels
- Expanded bike and stroller space
- No change to fares or schedules—same great service, cleaner operation
What are the benefits for the environment and local jobs?
ZEST will eliminate 100% of ferry emissions, improving air quality in communities like Barrio Logan and National City. At the same time, it will create new clean maritime jobs, training 50 Flagship employees in electric ferry operations and maintaining electric systems, in addition to building a workforce pipeline through the Maritime Institute.
When is it happening?
- 2025 — Final design, infrastructure planning, shipyard selection
- Late 2025 — Vessel construction begins
- 2026 — First ferry launches
- 2027 — Demonstration phase with public reporting and events
Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT): Zero Emission Sustainable Transportation is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest, formerly known as Cap-and- Trade, dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
