By
Alex Smith |
ABB has received notice to proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for a third hybrid-electric newbuild vessel, expanding its involvement in the operator's fleet modernisation programme.
The system will be based on ABB's Onboard DC Grid and PEMS Power and Energy Management System, which manages power distribution and energy storage to optimise energy use according to operating conditions. The integrated solution will include a 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system designed to enable all-electric, zero-emission operations on shorter routes and while in port.
ABB is also supplying marine automation, propulsion drives and motors, transformers, low-voltage systems, uninterruptible power supply systems, remote diagnostics, propulsion shafting, propellers, steering gear and rudders for the first three vessels. Its scope includes engineering and commissioning support.
“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,” said David Sowers, system electrification programme administrator at WSF. “ABB’s technology and system integration expertise will play a crucial role in improving operational reliability and reducing emissions across our fleet.”
WSF operates the largest ferry fleet in the United States and consumes approximately 19 million gallons of diesel annually. Its electrification programme aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 76 per cent, sulphur oxides by 75 per cent, nitrogen oxides by 94 per cent and particulate matter by 90 per cent by 2040. The operator ultimately aims to achieve an emission-free fleet by 2050.
“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,” said Bruce Strupp, head of marine systems Americas at ABB’s Marine & Ports division.
The latest authorisation builds on ABB's appointment as the project's propulsion single-source vendor in 2024. WSF's wider fleet modernisation programme envisages the introduction of up to 16 new hybrid-electric ferries by 2040.