Washington State Ferries (WSF) selected ABB to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries that initiate the WSF’s system electrification plan.
The ships are scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group in 2030 and 2031 respectively, with a contract option for a third ferry. WSF previously announced plans to build up to 16 ships by the end of 2040 as part of a ferry electrification program targeting lower emissions.
ABB will supply and integrate end-to-end systems including power distribution, advanced energy management, and marine automation for ferries that will include the largest ship batteries ever installed in the U.S. Based on ABB Onboard DC Grid™ and PEMS™ power and energy management system, the hybrid-electric propulsion systems will achieve substantially lower fuel consumption and operating costs than existing WSF vessels serving the same routes. Each ship’s 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage systems will also enable all-electric, emissions-free operations on short routes and in port.
The order builds on ABB’s early-stage involvement as the propulsion single source vendor in the WSF project. This included work on engines, batteries and propellers. Now, ABB will design a complete propulsion system and will also make sure the equipment arrives on time and provide support during installation and testing.
The ABB systems on board will reduce vessel noise and vibrations, increasing comfort for passengers and crew while minimizing impact to local wildlife and coastal communities.