Washington Ferries Expands Hybrid Fleet Contract With ABB

The state operator adds a third vessel to its propulsion contract as part of a long-term electrification program.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Washington Ferries Expands Hybrid Fleet Contract With ABB

Live Poll

Do you support the transition of your local ferry fleet to hybrid-electric power systems?

Washington State Ferries has authorized ABB to supply power systems for a third hybrid-electric vessel. This expansion builds on a 2024 agreement to equip two initial ships with technology designed to facilitate all-electric operation on short routes.

Why it matters

The electrification effort is part of a broader mandate to significantly lower carbon and pollutant emissions from the state's massive ferry fleet. By integrating energy storage, the agency aims to curb its current annual reliance on 19 million gallons of diesel fuel.

Each vessel features an energy storage system with 13.2 megawatt-hours of capacity. The program targets a 76 percent reduction in carbon dioxide and a 75 percent reduction in sulfur oxides by 2040.

The players

Washington State Ferries

This government agency operates the largest ferry system in the United States serving communities across the Puget Sound region.

ABB

This multinational corporation specializes in electrification and automation technologies for the marine and energy sectors.

The details

The vessels utilize an Onboard DC Grid and a Power and Energy Management System to optimize energy consumption. This technology allows the ferries to switch to all-electric power during transit to decrease engine emissions.

2024: ABB was initially selected as the propulsion vendor.
October 2026: Washington State Ferries issued the notice to proceed for the third vessel.
2040: The state targets a total of 16 new hybrid-electric ferries in operation.
2050: The system aims to reach a completely emission-free fleet.

Roadmap

This project aligns with the global shift toward decarbonizing maritime transport through the adoption of hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems. It positions Washington State Ferries as an early adopter of large-scale ferry electrification compared to other regional transit operators.

Commuters should expect a transition toward quieter, lower-emission ferry service as these vessels are integrated into the fleet. The adoption of these systems is intended to reduce the long-term operational costs associated with heavy diesel fuel consumption.

The takeaway

The addition of this third vessel highlights a steady scaling of clean-energy infrastructure within the state's transport network. Residents can track these progress milestones as the agency works toward its long-term goal of an emission-free fleet.