Sponsored Content: As ferry operators across North America accelerate plans to reduce emissions and modernize aging fleets, Washington State Ferries’ hybrid-electric newbuild program stands out for both its scale and technical ambition. The 160-auto ferries now under development are designed to operate on some of the busiest and most demanding routes in the country, where reliability, schedule adherence and ease of operation are just as critical as environmental performance.
ABB was selected as the single-source propulsion vendor for the class, placing the company at the center of one of the largest fleet-electrification efforts currently underway in the United States.
In the following Q&A, Timo Vesala, VP of sales, ABB Marine Systems, shares insight into how intensive operating profiles shaped the propulsion design, how hybrid-electric technologies are being tailored route by route, and what lessons from the WSF program may influence future ferry projects across the region.
Marine Log (ML): Washington State Ferries selected ABB as the propulsion single source vendor for its new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries. What were the key technical or operational factors that shaped ABB’s approach to designing the propulsion package for this class of vessel?
Timo Vesala (TV): Our approach was shaped by how intensively WSF ferries operate. These boats run all day, every day, in tight schedules with very little room for downtime. So, we focused on a propulsion setup that’s reliable, easy for crews to operate, and adaptable as WSF electrifies more of its fleet. The hybrid‑electric platform gives WSF strong performance today while keeping the door open for even cleaner operations as charging capacity expands.”
ML: Hybrid electric integration can vary widely across ferry types and routes. How is ABB tailoring the Onboard DC Grid, energy storage systems, and energy management technology to meet the specific duty profiles and service requirements of WSF’s routes?
TV: Each WSF route is different—some are short and frequent; others are longer and more demanding—so we start by looking at the actual service patterns. In the initial phase, the battery system was sized based on the most demanding route, and we fine‑tune how the vessel switches between battery power and engines to fit for every route WSF operates. The goal is always the same: give crews a smooth, predictable operating experience while using as much clean electric power as the schedule realistically allows.
ML: WSF’s electrification program represents one of the largest fleet-transition efforts in the United States. From ABB’s perspective, what are the most significant engineering or program-management challenges involved in delivering the first three vessels?
TV: Scale and sequencing. We’re integrating multi‑megawatt batteries, high‑capacity charging, and advanced control systems in newbuilds while the broader program also upgrades terminals and modernizes existing vessels. The critical work is front‑loaded: firming interface definitions early with the shipyard(s) and WSF, validating power‑system behavior digitally before hardware, and de‑risking the supply chain for long‑lead components.
ML: The new ferries are expected to support long-term goals for fuel reduction and emissions performance. How is ABB measuring or modeling expected efficiency gains, and what does the company see as the most important contributors to those reductions?
TV: When we estimate energy savings, we look at how the vessels actually operate: the distances they travel, how long they spend at the dock, and how often they can charge. By modeling those patterns, we can show how hybrid‑electric operation reduces fuel use. Our models predict each vessel will save 1 million Gallons of Diesel every year, roughly equivalent to the emissions of 4000 cars a year. Over the estimated vessel lifespan of 60 years, each vessel will eliminate up to 1 million tons of GHG emissions. Most of the gains come from replacing low‑speed, low‑efficiency engine operation with clean electric power, especially during departures, arrivals, and time spent in port.
ML: This project requires deep collaboration between shipyards, system vendors, and WSF. How is ABB coordinating design and integration work across partners to ensure alignment on timelines, risk management, and technology performance?
TV: Our role is to make sure the technology not only works on paper but fits smoothly into the shipyard’s build process and WSF’s long‑term plans. We do that by aligning detailed design documents early and keeping communication constant—no surprises at the yard and no guessing for WSF. We also standardize testing and training so that when the ferries arrive, crews can get up to speed quickly and confidently.
ML: Looking at the broader North American ferry market, what lessons from the WSF project do you expect will influence future hybrid or fully electric ferry programs?
TV: A few clear lessons stand out. First, start planning early—especially around charging infrastructure and power availability. Second, design the vessels and shore system together, because success depends on both. And third, think long‑term: choosing a flexible propulsion and energy setup makes it much easier to scale up clean operations later. WSF’s program shows that a phased, practical transition is achievable and sets a blueprint for others to follow.
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Marine Log Staff
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