ABB to power BC Ferries’ new hybrid-electric fleet

Here is a revised version of the blog post

Electrifying the Future ABB Powers BC Ferries' New Hybrid-Electric Fleet

As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, innovative companies are taking bold steps to reduce their environmental impact. In a significant move, ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, has partnered with British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries) to supply the power, propulsion, and control technology for four new major vessels.

A New Era in Sustainable Transportation

The double-ended ferries are part of BC Ferries' major fleet renewal program designed to meet growing passenger demand while minimizing environmental impact. The hybrid-electric vessels will replace four aging ships on routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for BC Ferries.

Reliable Propulsion and Reduced Noise

The new ferries will feature ABB's gearless Azipod electric propulsion system, renowned for its reliability and reduced underwater noise. This innovative technology helps protect at-risk marine life, such as the Southern Resident killer whale, which is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems in our oceans.

Smart Energy Management

In addition to reliable propulsion, ABB's Onboard DC Grid will manage energy flow on the ferries, enabling them to operate efficiently on hybrid power now and be ready for a future transition to fully electric, zero-emission service. This smart energy management system is critical for ensuring that the ferries can be easily upgraded as technology evolves.

Substantial Battery Storage and Advanced Charging Capabilities

Each ferry will be equipped with substantial battery storage and the capability to connect to high-capacity 60-megawatt shore charging stations – over 100 times more powerful than standard EV chargers. This advanced infrastructure will enable the ferries to quickly recharge, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.

A Commitment to Sustainability

We are proud to be partnering with ABB on this project, said Nicolas Jimenez, president and CEO of BC Ferries. These new vessels represent the largest capital investment in our history. With diesel-battery hybrid technology that can operate on bio and renewable diesel today and transition to full electrification as infrastructure evolves, these ships are a critical part of building a cleaner, quieter, and more reliable ferry system for the future.

Conclusion

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is exciting to see companies like BC Ferries and ABB taking bold steps to reduce their environmental impact. The new hybrid-electric ferries will be an important step forward in making transportation more sustainable, and we look forward to seeing how this technology continues to evolve in the years to come.

Keywords Hybrid-electric fleet, ABB, British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries), Sustainable transportation, Electric propulsion, Onboard DC Grid, Battery storage, Shore charging stations

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.