ABB to power third Washington State Ferries hybrid-electric newbuild vessel

ABB has been given the Notice to Proceed by Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry operator in the United States, to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for a third hybrid-electric ferry as part of the operator’s fleet modernization and electrification programme.

The latest authorization expands ABB’s involvement from two vessels to three and forms part of WSF’s long-term strategy to introduce up to 16 new hybrid-electric ferries by 2040. The programme is aimed at reducing emissions, improving operational efficiency and modernizing one of the world’s largest ferry networks.

Like the first two vessels, the third ferry will be equipped with ABB’s integrated hybrid-electric power and propulsion package centred on the company’s Onboard DC Grid™ and PEMS™ Power and Energy Management System. The technology is designed to optimize power distribution and energy storage while continuously managing available power sources to match operating conditions, reducing reliance on diesel engines and lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

The vessel will also feature a 13.2MWh energy storage system integrated by ABB. The battery installation has been designed to allow all-electric, zero-emission operation on shorter routes and while alongside in port.

This story was originally published by Ships Monthly. Read the full story at Ships Monthly →