Watertown's All-Electric Ferry Takes to the Charles River
- Dan Hogan
- Jul 24
- 1 min read
A vision three years in the making officially became reality on July 11 as the Wada Hoppah, an all-electric ferry created by Watertown resident Drew Rollert, was launched on the Charles River.
The 36-foot ferry was unveiled at the Newton Yacht Club, where it will undergo testing before beginning passenger service. Rollert first conceived the idea in 2023 after sitting in traffic on the way to a Red Sox game and noticing the largely unused Charles River. His goal is to provide a new transportation option connecting Watertown Square with downtown Boston.
Designed and built in Concord, the Wada Hoppah features zero-emissions electric propulsion, a wakeless hull to minimize impacts on rowers and riverbanks, and a shallow-draft design for navigating the Charles River. The ferry will also be equipped with an AI-powered object recognition system that uses 360-degree cameras to identify and track boats, rowers, wildlife, and other obstacles, providing the captain with an added layer of safety.
The ferry will initially carry up to six passengers while testing is completed, with plans to expand to its full 12-passenger capacity. Before regular service can begin, the project must receive final approval from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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