ABB has been selected by Vigor to provide hybrid-electric power for Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) new vessels.
The ferries will use ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system and drive technology to optimize energy use.
Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2023 to replace older vessels. The new vessels will have a capacity for 144 cars and 1,500 passengers while cutting fuel consumption by 95%.
By 2040, WSF plans to replace 13 diesel ferries with hybrid-electric ferries and convert six vessels to plug-in hybrid as well as adding recharging capacity at many terminals. Hybrid vessels would be capable of charging at the terminal and some vessels could operate in fully electric mode on shorter routes.
WSF ferries are built at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle, Washington.