Corvus Energy has been selected by ABB’s Marine & Ports division to supply battery energy storage systems (ESS) for two new hybrid electric ferries for Washington State Ferries (WSF), under a contract which includes an option for a third vessel.
WSF manages the largest ferry system in the US, operating 21 ro-pax ferries across 10 routes serving 19 terminals. The two new hybrid electric ferries will be the first of up to 16 new vessels delivered as part of WSF’s US$ 3.98bn Ferry System Electrification plan. The project is anticipated to be the largest investment in maritime electrification and the largest ferry electrification project in the US to date, seen as an important milestone for national marine emissions reduction efforts.
The new 1,500 passenger/160 vehicle capacity ferries will play a crucial role in WSF’s strategy to modernise its fleet and reduce its environmental footprint. The hybrid ferries, equipped with both an energy storage system (ESS) and diesel-powered generators, will be designed to operate using battery power alone, once access to sufficient onshore charging capacity allows. An environmentally friendly configuration, fully battery-powered operations produce zero emissions and require zero fuel.
With the new hybrid ferries, WSF aims to achieve sizeable reductions in fuel consumption and GHG emissions. This is in alignment with both WSF’s target to reduce ferry fleet emissions and Washington State’s broader environmental goals.
Bruce Strupp, VP Marine Systems, ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said: “Washington State Ferries forge a very progressive path towards environmentally sustainable operations with these electric hybrid ferries, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of zero-emission maritime transportation in the US. The proven reliability, safety and performance of the Corvus ESS was important in awarding this contract to Corvus Energy.”
As the propulsion single source vendor for the new WSF ferries, ABB selected the Corvus Dolphin NxtGen ESS for the vessels. Lightweight and high power, the system incorporates next generation marine ESS design with the well-proven safety features and unmatched performance profile integral to Corvus battery systems.
Fredrik Witte, CEO Corvus Energy, added: “We are thrilled to be chosen as a partner by ABB for the Washington State Ferries hybrid vessels. Washington State’s progressive Ferry Electrification Plan is a noteworthy milestone for US marine electrification. It’s a leading example of advancing sustainable ferry operations not only within the United States but also globally.”
North America is considered a significant and emerging market. Some years ago, Corvus Energy began making strategic, long-term commitments to establish a presence in the US.
Witte concluded: “We are excited to see increased demand from North America and look forward to installing our ground-breaking Dolphin NxtGen ESS onboard the Washington State ferries.”
The shipyard contract for the WSF project was awarded to Florida-based shipbuilder, Eastern Shipbuilding Group. The first two hybrid electric ferries are scheduled to begin operation in 2030 and in 2031.
Image: New electric ferry for Washington State (credit: Washington State Ferries)
