ABB has secured a contract with Washington State Ferries (WSF) to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two new 160-auto ferries. This marks the first set of vessels to be built under the operator’s wider System Electrification Program (SEP).

The two vessels are scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group in 2030 and 2031, with an option included for a third ferry. These newbuilds form part of WSF’s long-term plan to expand its fleet with up to 16 hybrid-electric ships by 2040 as it moves ahead with an accelerated electrification strategy to transition from diesel-powered vessels to a fully hybrid-electric system.

Under the order, ABB will deliver complete hybrid-electric packages that include power distribution systems, advanced energy management and marine automation. Each ferry will be equipped with a 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system. The vessels will be capable of operating fully on battery power on short routes and in port, significantly reducing emissions.

The propulsion setup is built around ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ and its PEMS™ power and energy management platform. According to the company, this configuration will support lower fuel consumption and reduced operating costs compared with existing WSF vessels running the same services.

The order follows ABB’s earlier involvement as the propulsion single-source vendor for the project, announced in 2024, and the contract has now been amended to reflect the confirmed newbuild programme.

David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator for Washington State Ferries, said: "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. 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."

According to ABB, the systems will also reduce vessel noise and vibrations, increasing passenger and crew comfort while minimising impact on local wildlife and coastal communities.

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 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."

Washington State Ferries operates the most extensive ferry network in the United States, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.