San Diego’s ZEST Project
Zero-Emission Sustainable Transportation
ZEST at a glance
The ZEST Project will launch California’s first newly constructed, all-electric passenger ferries. These zero-emission vessels will replace aging diesel ferries on the busy Coronado–San Diego route—cutting air pollution, reducing noise, andsetting a national precedent for clean maritime transit.
Modeling Modern Transportation
- Eliminates 100% of ferry emissions Improves air quality in disadvantaged communities near the bay
- 275-passenger vessels, fully ADA accessible with bike/stroller space
- Trains and upskills 50 local workers for clean maritime careers
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.
Key Benefits
- Cleaner Air: 530+ tons of GHG emissions eliminated over 2 years
- Healthier Communities: Reduces diesel exposure in Barrio Logan, National City
- Smarter Design: Aluminum hulls, air-cooled batteries, EV fast charging
- Stronger Workforce: Maritime Institute-led training for Flagship crew
- Better Service: Quieter rides, shorter wait times, more bike capacity
Timeline
Design and infrastructure work is underway in 2025, with construction beginning late 2025, ferry launch in 2026, and a public demonstration running through 2027.
