Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest passenger vessel operator in the United States, has issued a notice to proceed for Switzerland-based ABB to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system aboard its third forthcoming hybrid-electric ferry from Panama City, Fla.-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG).
ABB will also supply the integrated hybrid-electic power and propulsion system aboard the first two ferries in the series. Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Washington State Ferries gathered in Panama City in early August to cut steel on the first vessel and announce the state had exercised an option for a third new ferry. Under the terms of the contract, ESG will deliver the first boat in 2030, the second in 2031, and the third in 2032.
ABB will equip the ferries with its Onboard DC Grid and its PEMS Power and Energy Management System. The 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system will enable all-electric operations for the ferries on short routes and in port.
"Authorization of the third vessel in our long-term fleet modernization and electrification program marks a significant step towards realizing a cleaner, more resilient ferry system for Washington communities," said David Somers, system electrification program administrator for 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 for the three vessels will include integrated marine automation, propulsion drives and motors, transformers, low-voltage systems, uninterruptible power supply systems, remote diagnostics, propulsion shafting, propellers, steering gears and rudders, along with engineering and commissioning support.
"Washington State Ferries' issue of notice to proceed for vessel 3 represents an important milestone in its program 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, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. "By providing an integrated solution from a single source, we can support consistency across the three vessels. We are proud to continue supporting WSF as it modernizes an essential transportation network and progresses towards a cleaner fleet.”
Washington State Ferries uses about 19 million gallons of diesel annually. Through its electrification program, WSF hopes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 76%, sulfur oxides by 75%, nitrous oxides by 94%, and particulate matter by 90% by 2040.
