# ABB receives approval to equip third Washington State hybrid-electric ferry

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/abb-receives-approval-to-equip-third-washington-state-hybrid-electric-ferry/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-31T03:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-29T13:10:16+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** ABB, Electric Propulsion, Energy Storage, Ferry Electrification, Hybrid-Electric Ferries, Marine Propulsion, Maritime Decarbonisation, Onboard DC Grid, Passenger Shipping, Vessel Newbuildings, Washington State Ferries

ABB has received a Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to supply and integrate the power and propulsion systems for a third hybrid-electric newbuild ferry, extending its involvement in the US operator’s fleet modernisation programme.

The latest authorisation expands ABB’s scope from two vessels to three, following an earlier agreement covering the first two newbuilds and an option for a third. The programme forms part of Washington State Ferries’ longer-term plans to introduce up to 16 hybrid-electric ferries by 2040.

As with the first two vessels, ABB will provide an integrated hybrid-electric propulsion system based on its Onboard DC Grid power distribution technology and PEMS Power and Energy Management System. The combined solution is designed to optimise power distribution, coordinate available energy sources and reduce diesel consumption during vessel operations.

The third ferry will incorporate a 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system integrated by ABB, designed to enable fully electric operations without direct emissions on short routes and while in port. The energy management system will regulate the use of available power sources according to operating requirements.

David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator at Washington State Ferries, said the authorisation represented another step in the operator’s fleet modernisation and electrification programme, with ABB’s continued involvement supporting system consistency and integration across the vessels.

### ABB expands scope across hybrid-electric ferry programme

ABB’s supply package for the first three ferries includes marine automation systems, propulsion drives and motors, transformers, low-voltage equipment, uninterruptible power supply systems and remote diagnostics.

The company will also provide propulsion shafting, propellers, steering gear and rudders, together with engineering and commissioning support.

Bruce Strupp, Head of Marine Systems Americas at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, said the authorisation for the third vessel reflected Washington State Ferries’ continued use of ABB’s hybrid-electric propulsion and system integration technologies.

Washington State Ferries currently consumes approximately 19 million gallons of diesel annually. Its electrification programme targets reductions by 2040 of 76% in carbon dioxide emissions, 75% in sulphur oxides, 94% in nitrogen oxides and 90% in particulate matter.

The operator’s longer-term objective is to establish an emissions-free fleet by 2050.

ABB was initially selected as a propulsion systems supplier for the ferry programme in 2024. Its subsequent contract covered two confirmed vessels and an option for a third, with the latest Notice to Proceed authorising the company to advance its work on that additional newbuild.

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Cite as: "ABB receives approval to equip third Washington State hybrid-electric ferry", pelavox., 31 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/abb-receives-approval-to-equip-third-washington-state-hybrid-electric-ferry/