ABB has secured an order with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry operator in the USA, to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two 160-auto ferries.
The first two ships are scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group in 2030 and 2031, with the contract including the option for a third ferry. WSF has previously communicated plans to build up to 16 ships by the end of 2040, as part of its ferry electrification program aiming to lower emissions.
ABB will supply and integrate end-to-end systems including power distribution, advanced energy management and marine automation for ferries that will feature a battery that is, according to the company, the largest ever to be installed on a ship in the USA.
Using ABB’s Onboard DC Grid and PEMS power and energy management system, the hybrid-electric propulsion systems will achieve substantially lower fuel consumption and operating costs compared with existing WSF vessels serving the same routes. Each ship’s 13.2MWh 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, announced in 2024, with the contract amended to reflect the confirmed initial shipbuilding contract for two ships plus one option.
“The Washington State Ferries System Electrification Program is the largest of its kind in the United States, and ABB’s continued involvement, secured through this new order, helps mitigate risk and ensure on-time vessel delivery,” said David Sowers, system electrification program administrator for Washington State Ferries.
“ABB’s state-of-the-art hybrid-electric propulsion systems demonstrate the company’s proven expertise in complex system integration. These systems will substantially reduce emissions and enhance operational reliability across the WSF fleet, advancing our long-term modernization objectives and helping people and businesses thrive throughout the Puget Sound.”
According to ABB, the onboard systems will also reduce vessel noise and vibrations, increasing comfort for passengers and crew while minimizing impact to local wildlife and coastal communities.
“This contract marks another important step in our collaboration with Washington State Ferries,” said Bruce Strupp, vice president Americas, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “It reflects the trust placed in ABB’s hybrid-electric propulsion technology and our ability to deliver reliable, scalable solutions that support WSF’s long-term sustainability goals. We’re proud to continue helping WSF modernize its fleet to maintain reliable service and reduce environmental impact.”
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