By
Alex Smith |
ABB has agreed a contract with Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Gondán to supply an electric power solution for fast ferries transporting passengers across the Tagus river in Lisbon, Portugal.
The 10 new ferries will be operated by Transtejo and will replace the existing fleet gradually between 2022 and 2024 as they enter service. They will have a service speed of 16 knots and have capacity to carry up to 540 passengers on three routes linking Lisbon to Cacilhas, Seixhal and Montijo on the south bank of the river.
According to Portugal’s 2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, the transport sector will aim to achieve a 98 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared to levels in 2005. ABB estimates that the replacing the existing diesel-powered ferries will cut 6,500 tons in carbon dioxide emissions every year.
“Today, the technologies chosen for fast ferries operating so close to the heart of the city must be clean and green, as well as proven in terms of safety and reliability,” said Antonio Pacheco, director of glass reinforced plastic division for Astilleros Gondán. “ABB has been selected both on the grounds of energy efficiency and its extensive experience in delivering all-electric and hybrid propulsion solutions to the ferry market.”
ABB’s initial contract will cover the supply of the fully integrated power solutions and an integrated marine and propulsion automation system for all 10 ferries and the battery pack for the first vessel in the series. ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system will ensure that the battery output will be delivered to the ferry’s subsystems optimally, as well as enabling integration and reliable operation of other propulsion system components. The overall power set-up will be controlled by ABB’s Power and Energy Management System, which will increase fault tolerance and improve reliability.
“Operators serving inland waters have been among the pioneers of zero-emission propulsion, and we are truly honoured that ABB’s technology will support the sustainability goals of one of Europe’s great capitals,” said Juha Koskela, division president of ABB Marine & Ports. “This project is another important industry milestone for zero-emission propulsion, showing that proven technology is available today to serve future needs on sustainable fast passenger ferry transport.”