- Washington State Ferries gives ABB the go-ahead for the third vessel in its ferry fleet modernization and electrification program
- Notice to Proceed authorizes ABB to provide an integrated power and propulsion system for a third vessel
- Combined solution designed to optimize energy efficiency while reducing fuel consumption and emissions
29 October 2026 – ABB has received Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF), the largest ferry operator in the United States1, to supply and integrate the power and propulsion system for third hybrid-electric newbuild ferry. This expands ABB’s involvement in the program from two vessels to three2 and is part of WSF’s broader plan for up to 16 new hybrid electric ferries by 20403.
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 System4. With Onboard DC Grid™ maximizing power distribution efficiency and energy storage integration, PEMS continuously manages available power sources to optimize energy use for vessel operating conditions. This reduces reliance on diesel engines, thereby helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. 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.
“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 Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator, 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 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, in addition to 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 burns approximately 19 million gallons of diesel annually. Its 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 envisions an emission-free fleet by 20505.
The order further builds on ABB’s earlier involvement as the propulsion single source vendor in the WSF project, announced in 20246, with the contract amended to reflect the confirmed initial shipbuilding contract for two ships plus one option.
1https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries/ferries-terminals/about-our-fleet
2https://new.abb.com/news/detail/117834/washington-state-ferries-selects-abb-as-propulsion-single-source-vendor-for-five-new-hybrid-ferries
3https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/major-projects/ferry-system-electrification
4https://new.abb.com/news/detail/131221/washington-state-ferries-selects-abb-to-power-their-first-hybrid-electric-newbuild-vessels
5https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/major-projects/ferry-system-electrification
6https://new.abb.com/news/detail/117834/washington-state-ferries-selects-abb-as-propulsion-single-source-vendor-for-five-new-hybrid-ferries
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/automation
