ABB has been awarded a contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry operator in the United States, to provide and install hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two new ferries. These vessels are part of WSF’s ambitious System Electrification Program.
The ferries, each capable of carrying 160 automobiles, will be built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group, with their deliveries planned for 2030 and 2031. The agreement also includes an option for a third ferry. This initiative is a step towards WSF's broader strategy to construct up to 16 ships by 2040, aiming to reduce emissions significantly.
ABB’s role and technological contributions
ABB will play a crucial role by providing comprehensive systems that include power distribution, advanced energy management, and marine automation for the ferries. These ships will feature the largest ship batteries ever installed in the US.
The propulsion systems, based on ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ and PEMS™ energy management systems, are designed to reduce fuel consumption and operation costs. The 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage on each ferry will also allow for emissions-free travel on short routes and in ports.
Early involvement and long-term objectives
ABB’s involvement with the WSF project started early, having been appointed as the propulsion single-source
ABB’s involvement with the WSF project started early, having been appointed as the propulsion single-source vendor in 2024. The newly secured order reinforces ABB's role in ensuring the timely delivery of the vessels.
"The Washington State Ferries System Electrification Program is the largest of its kind in the United States," stated David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator for WSF. He emphasised the importance of ABB’s systems in reducing emissions and increasing the reliability of WSF's operations.
Sustainability and environmental impact
The integration of ABB's systems is expected to reduce noise and vibrations aboard the ferries, thereby improving comfort for passengers and crew while minimising disturbances to local wildlife and coastal areas.
Bruce Strupp, Vice President Americas at ABB's Marine & Ports division, commented, "This contract marks another important step in our collaboration with Washington State Ferries. It reflects the trust placed in ABB’s technology and supports WSF’s sustainability goals. We’re proud to help modernise the fleet, ensuring reliable service and reduced environmental impact."
ABB has secured an order with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the United States’ largest ferry operator, to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries that initiate the owner’s ambitious System Electrification Program.
With the first two ships scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, one apiece in 2030 and 2031, the contract also includes an option for a third ferry. WSF has previously announced plans to build up to 16 ships by the end of 2040, as part of a ferry electrification program targeting lower emissions.
ABB’s early-stage involvement
ABB will supply and integrate end-to-end systems, including power distribution, advanced energy management, and marine automation for ferries that will include the largest ship batteries ever installed in the US.
Based on ABB Onboard DC Grid™ and PEMS™ power and energy management system, the hybrid-electric propulsion systems will achieve substantially lower fuel consumption and operating costs than existing WSF vessels serving the same routes. Each ship’s 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage systems will also enable all-electric, emissions-free operations on short routes and in port.
The order builds on ABB’s early-stage involvement as the propulsion single-source vendor in the WSF project, announced in 2024, with the contract amended to reflect the confirmed initial shipbuilding contract for two ships plus one option.
Long-term modernisation objectives
“The Washington State Ferries System Electrification Program is the largest of its kind in the United States, and ABB’s continued involvement, secured through this new order, helps mitigate risk and ensure on-time vessel delivery,” said David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator for Washington State Ferries.
“ABB’s state-of-the-art hybrid-electric propulsion systems demonstrate the company’s proven expertise in complex system integration. These systems will substantially reduce emissions and enhance operational reliability across the WSF fleet, advancing our long-term modernisation objectives and helping people and businesses thrive throughout the Puget Sound.”
WSF’s long-term sustainability goals
The ABB systems on board will also reduce vessel noise and vibrations, increasing comfort for passengers and crew while minimising impact to local wildlife and coastal communities.
“This contract marks another important step in our collaboration with Washington State Ferries,” said Bruce Strupp, Vice President Americas, ABB’s Marine & Ports division.
“It reflects the trust placed in ABB’s hybrid-electric propulsion technology and our ability to deliver reliable, scalable solutions that support WSF’s long-term sustainability goals. We’re proud to continue helping WSF modernise its fleet to maintain reliable service and reduce environmental impact.”
