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Washington State Ferries (WSF) has selected Stemmann-Technik GmbH, Schüttorf, Germany, to provide automated charging systems for its new hybrid electric ferries.
Capable of delivering up to 15 MW at 12.47 kV, the rapid charging systems will be the largest in North America, according to WSF vessel project engineer Ali Khurshid, who announced the news on social media.
WSF — the nation’s largest ferry system — has converted one existing vessel, the Wenatchee, to hybrid-electric power and has ordered new hybrid ferries from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, Fla., for delivery starting in 2028. These vessels will operate using onboard battery systems and, once shore power becomes available, plug-in charging systems that require shoreside infrastructure upgrades.
The agency plans to electrify its terminals in phases, adding high-capacity grid connections and automated charging hardware. As each terminal gains shore charging, WSF's hybrid vessels will rely less on diesel generators and operate increasingly on battery power alone.
The first terminal to be electrified will be Seattle's primary ferry terminal — Colman Dock, also called Pier 52 — with two charging towers scheduled to be installed by 2029, Khurshid said.
"[The] charging system is one of the most critical parts of WSF’s electrification program, and we’re excited to partner with Stemman to deliver an emission-free fleet for generations to come," Khurshid said.
Stemmann-Technik, part of Wabtec Corp., Pittsburgh, designs and manufactures energy- and data-transfer hardware and systems.
