ABB has received Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry operator in the US, to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for its third hybrid-electric newbuild ferry.
This expands ABB’s involvement in the programme from two vessels to three and is part of WSF’s broader plan for up to 16 new hybrid electric ferries by 2040. As with the first two vessels, ABB will equip the new ferry with an integrated hybrid-electric power and propulsion solution centred on ABB’s Onboard DC Grid and PEMS power and energy management system. With Onboard DC Grid maximising power distribution efficiency and energy storage integration, PEMS continuously manages available power sources to optimise energy use for vessel operating conditions. This reduces reliance on diesel engines, thereby helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The 13.2MWh energy storage system integrated by ABB is designed to enable all-electric, zero-emissions operations on short routes and in port.
David Sowers, WSF System Electrification Programme Administrator, said: “Authorisation of the third vessel in our long-term fleet modernisation and electrification programme marks a significant step towards realising a cleaner, more resilient ferry system for Washington communities. ABB’s technology and system integration expertise will play a crucial role in improving operational reliability and reducing emissions across our fleet, and its ongoing involvement helps ensure consistency from one vessel to the next while helping reduce project and integration risk.”
ABB’s scope of supply across the first three vessels includes integrated marine automation, propulsion drives and motors, transformers, low-voltage systems, uninterruptible power supply systems, remote diagnostics, propulsion shafting, propellers, steering gear and rudders, in addition to engineering and commissioning support.
Bruce Strupp, ABB’s Marine and Ports Head of Marine Systems Americas, added: “Washington State Ferries’ issue of Notice to Proceed for Vessel 3 represents an important milestone in its programme and demonstrates its continued confidence in ABB’s hybrid-electric propulsion technology and complex system integration expertise. By providing an integrated solution from a single source, we can support consistency across the three vessels. We are proud to continue supporting WSF as it modernises an essential transportation network and progresses towards a cleaner fleet.”
WSF burns approximately 19m US gallons of diesel annually. Its electrification program targets emission reductions of 76% in CO2, 75% percent in SOx, 94% in NOx and 90% in particulate matter by 2040 – and ultimately envisions an emission-free fleet by 2050. The order further builds on ABB’s earlier 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.
Image: WSF hybrid-electric ferry (credit: Elliott Bay Design Group)
