ABB to deliver hybrid drives for Washington State Ferries
Under the newly signed contract, ABB will supply five comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion systems including the ‘Onboard DC Grid’ power distribution solution, energy storage, advanced energy management, and integrated marine automation. ABB states that the complete drive system is designed to “enhance operational efficiency, help reduce emissions, and ensure reliable performance for the new vessels.”
Delivering the ferry drive systems will not mark the end of the contract, however, as ABB will also provide design and engineering support. A close development cooperation with WSF is to ensure seamless integration of the hybrid electric technology into the new ferries.
“We are honored to be selected by Washington State Ferries as its propulsion single source vendor for the new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries,” said Drew Orvieto, Vice president of sales for Marine Systems, US at ABB Marine & Ports. “This partnership highlights our shared vision for sustainability and our dedication to pioneering advanced technologies that drive the industry forward. We look forward to supporting WSF in its mission to provide cleaner, more efficient ferry services for the communities they serve.”
As mentioned above, Washington State Ferries operates the largest ferry fleet in the USA, with 21 auto-passenger ferries across 10 routes serving 19 terminals. The five new hybrid ferries will be the first of a fleet of 16 new vessels delivered under WSF’s $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan. By 2050, WSF wants to operate emissions-free. The cooperation between Washington State Ferries and ABB goes back as far as 2020 when the first drive supply agreement was inked.
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