Washington State Ferries clears ABB for a third hybrid-electric ferry

ABB said on 29 October 2026 that it has received a notice to proceed from Washington State Ferries to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for a third hybrid-electric newbuild ferry. The notice expands ABB’s involvement from two vessels to three. ABB said this is part of the operator’s plan for up to 16 new hybrid electric ferries by 2040.

As with the first two vessels, ABB will equip Vessel 3 with an integrated hybrid-electric power and propulsion solution centered on Onboard DC Grid and PEMS Power and Energy Management System. The 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system integrated by ABB is designed to enable all-electric, zero-emissions operations on short routes and in port.

ABB’s scope across the first three vessels also includes integrated marine automation, propulsion drives and motors, transformers, low-voltage systems, uninterruptible power supply systems, remote diagnostics, propulsion shafting, propellers, steering gear and rudders, plus engineering and commissioning support.

David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator at Washington State Ferries, said: “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.”

ABB said Washington State Ferries burns approximately 19 million gallons of diesel annually. It said the electrification program targets emission reductions of 76 percent in carbon dioxide, 75 percent in sulfur oxides, 94 percent in nitrous oxides, and 90 percent in particulate matter by 2040, and ultimately an emission-free fleet by 2050. The release says the order builds on ABB’s 2024 role, with the contract amended to reflect an initial shipbuilding contract for two ships plus one option.