(SAN DIEGO) — Flagship Cruises & Events, in partnership with Aurora Marine Design and with the support from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, has released an official bid package inviting shipyards to compete for the opportunity to build California’s first newly constructed all-electric passenger ferries.
This milestone marks a pivotal step in the San Diego Zero-Emission Sustainable Transportation (ZEST) project – an initiative aimed at setting a national precedent for clean, modern maritime transit.
The ZEST Project will launch two zero-emission vessels to replace aging diesel ferries on the high-ridership Coronado-San Diego route on San Diego Bay. The transformation will eliminate all ferry-related emissions, reduce air pollution and noise, and improve air quality for disadvantaged communities near the bay – all while offering passengers a faster, quieter, and more comfortable ride experience.
Backed by more than $21 million in public-private investment, the project is funded in part by $15.27 million from the California Air Resources Board’s Sustainable Heavy-Duty Initiatives for Future Technology (SHIFT) program, part of California Climate Investments (CCI), along with a $5.5 million cost share from Flagship Cruises & Events. The initiative aligns directly with the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy, serving as a scalable model for clean transit solutions across the state and beyond.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a shipyard to help deliver the next chapter in American ferry design,” said Shaun Green, president, Aurora Marine Design. “With the bid package being released on Dec. 5, 2025, we’re looking for an experienced shipbuilder to help us bring these groundbreaking vessels to life – and we’re on an accelerated timeline to get under contract.”
“We’re excited to reach this important stage of the project and move into the bid process,” said Brad Engel, president, Flagship Cruises & Events. “Bringing in a shipyard to construct the first purpose-built ferries of their kind – with capacity for 275 passengers – marks a major step forward in advancing sustainable transportation on the waterfront. This milestone represents real progress for our team and for the future of ferry service in San Diego.”
The 275-passenger, fully ADA-accessible ferries will include space for bicycles and strollers, shoreside charging infrastructure, and will help train and upskill 50 local workers in clean maritime technologies.
Aurora Marine Design’s bid package includes complete vessel specifications, preliminary drawings, and detailed construction requirements. Shipyards interested in bidding are encouraged to review the package promptly, as selection and contracting are expected soon.
Shipyards can view the bid package and submission details by clicking here.
– Flagship Cruises & Events
