OLYMPIA — Washington State Ferries has issued a notice to proceed for a third hybrid-electric ferry after previously approving construction of two, built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida.
The Swiss company, ABB, will supply the 13.2 megawatt-hour energy storage system that will serve as the propulsion mechanism for the integrated hybrid-electric ferries. According to ABB, this 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 System. 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…