ABB was awarded an order from a Poland-based shipbuilder to supply power distribution and propulsion systems featuring ABB’s Compact Onboard DC Grid™ for seven all-electric double-ended ferries. The vessels are scheduled for delivery to a Scottish owner between late 2027 and early 2029. ABB has also been selected as the sole supplier responsible for delivering shore power solutions across several of the operator’s ferry.
The 50-meter ferries will bring enhanced resilience and sustainability to the company’s fleet. They will serve nine routes on Scotland’s west coast, each transporting up to 200 passengers and 24 cars at a time, with the exception of one vessel, which has capacity for 250 passengers and 16 cars.
Designed for vessels with significant space limitations, ABB’s Compact Onboard DC Grid™ solution offers a distributed configuration that simplifies system integration and enhances efficiency. The system comprises a robust, short circuit-tested marine DC switchboard and wall-mounted HES880 mobile inverters. Flexible and highly efficient operations are secured through a seamlessly integrated power and energy management, alarm and monitoring system. Integrated with ABB’s new AXME Marine Motors, the comprehensive solution combines high power density and light weight in a small footprint. Developed specifically for small to mid-sized electric and hybrid vessels, the Compact Onboard DC Grid™ blends proven durability, high performance, and installation flexibility in one compact solution.
Once operational, ABB’s shore connection system will allow berthed vessels to turn off their engines and connect to the local electrical grid, thereby significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and decreasing noise pollution in port areas. As a result, air quality in the area will improve, and the emission reductions will support the operator’s long-term environmental goals.