ABB has received Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry operator in the United States, to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for a third hybrid-electric newbuild ferry (render pictured: Elliott Bay Design). This expands ABB’s involvement in the program 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 Vessel 3 with an integrated hybrid-electric power and propulsion solution centred on Onboard DC Grid™ and PEMS™ Power and Energy Management System4. 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 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system integrated by ABB is designed to enable all-electric, zero-emissions operations on short routes and in port.
“Authorisation of the third vessel in our long-term fleet modernisation and electrification program marks a significant step towards realising a cleaner, more resilient ferry system for Washington communities,” said David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator, Washington State Ferries. “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 also 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.