Washington State Ferries to build five new hybrid ferries

WSF manages the largest ferry system in the United States, operating 21 auto-passenger ferries across 10 routes serving 19 terminals.

Five new hybrid electric ferries, capable of handling up to 1,500 passengers, will be the first of 16 newbuildings delivered as part of a US$4Bn Ferry System Electrification plan.

The new ferries will play a crucial role in WSF’s strategy to modernise its fleet and reduce its environmental footprint. As the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions among Washington state agencies, WSF burns approximately 72M litres of diesel fuel in its operations, transporting nearly 20M passengers every year. 

The impetus has come from legislators: last year, the Washington legislature passed EHB 1846, a bill directing WSF to build five new hybrid-electric (battery/diesel) vessels. The bill allows for a faster and more competitive process to select shipbuilders, including a nationwide invitation for bid and the potential for WSF to issue up to two contracts at once. These contracting laws only apply to the construction of new hybrid-electric vessels. 

Diesel-only vessels would require new legislation during the 2025 session.

Shipyards have until January 2025 to submit their bids for the five ferries with the newbuilding contracts being awarded in February 2025.

WSF has now awarded ABB a contract to act as propulsion single-source vendor for these new ferries. The engineering firm will supply comprehensive hybrid-electric propulsion systems that include the Onboard DC Grid power distribution solution, energy storage, advanced energy management, and integrated marine automation and offer extensive design and engineering support, to ensure integration of the hybrid-electric technology into the new ferries. 

ABB Marine & Ports vice president of sales, Drew Orvieto said, “This partnership highlights our shared vision for sustainability and our dedication to pioneering advanced technologies that drive the industry forward. We look forward to supporting WSF in its mission to provide cleaner, more efficient ferry services for the communities it serves.”

“This contract with ABB is about rebuilding our fleet and restoring reliable service to our customers,” said WSF system electrification program administrator, Matt von Ruden. “ABB’s specialised knowledge and expertise helps reduce risk and ensure performance in the design, construction and delivery of our first five new hybrid-electric ferries.”