ABB Marine & Ports Division Accelerates Electricification Push with Major Ferry Contracts and Strategic Partnerships

Washington State Ferries Selects ABB for Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has selected ABB to supply hybrid-electric propulsion systems for its first two 160-auto ferries under the agency's System Electrification Program. The contract marks the initial phase of a broader modernization plan targeting up to 16 hybrid-electric vessels by 2040. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group in 2030, with the second following in 2031, with an option for a third ship included in the agreement.

ABB will deliver an integrated propulsion solution encompassing power distribution, marine automation, and energy management systems. Each vessel will feature 13.2-megawatt-hour energy storage systems, enabling all-electric, emissions-free operation on shorter routes and while in port. The systems leverage ABB's Onboard DC Grid and PEMS power and energy management technology, designed to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs compared with the current fleet.

David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator for Washington State Ferries, emphasized that the contract secures ABB's continued involvement as the single-source propulsion vendor, helping mitigate risk and ensure on-time vessel delivery. Bruce Strupp, Vice President Americas for ABB's Marine & Ports division, noted the contract reflects trust in ABB's hybrid-electric propulsion technology and its ability to deliver scalable solutions supporting long-term sustainability goals.

ABB Powers Caledonian Maritime Assets' All-Electric Ferry Fleet

ABB has secured a contract to supply power distribution and propulsion systems for seven all-electric double-ended ferries being constructed by Remontowa Shipbuilding in Poland for Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL). The 50-meter vessels, part of CMAL's Small Vessel Replacement Program, are scheduled for delivery between late 2027 and early 2029. The ferries will operate on nine routes across Scotland's Clyde and Hebrides region, each carrying up to 200 passengers and 24 cars, with one vessel configured for 250 passengers and 16 cars.

ABB will equip the ferries with its Compact Onboard DC Grid system, a distributed power solution designed for vessels with limited onboard space. The system integrates DC switchboards, inverters, and marine motors with power and energy management tools to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Additionally, ABB will serve as the sole supplier of shore connection systems for multiple CMAL ferry terminals, beginning with Kennacraig and Port Askaig, enabling vessels to connect to local electrical grids and eliminate emissions while berthed.

Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, stated that the ferries will bring increased capacity and clean, fully electric propulsion benefits to island and rural communities in Scotland, with ABB's experience in system integration ensuring ship electrification and shore connection work efficiently together.

ABB Expands Nuclear Maritime Partnership with Blykalla

ABB and Blykalla, a small modular reactor (SMR) developer, have expanded their cooperation into maritime applications through a new Memorandum of Understanding. The expanded partnership aligns with growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marine power source, according to the companies. Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman highlighted the company's compact reactor design as uniquely positioned to lead in maritime nuclear propulsion, meeting the sector's demand for clean energy.

ABB's expertise in system integration, power distribution, control, and automation technologies will be critical to ensuring successful deployment of SMRs as shipboard solutions. Juha Koskela, president of ABB's Marine and Ports division, stated that SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonization, with next-generation reactors enabling innovative ship designs that reduce emissions compared with vessels powered by carbon-based fuels.

ABB Marine & Ports Division Demonstrates Strong Performance and Strategic Growth

ABB's Marine & Ports division has achieved record performance in 2025, with the division reporting highest-on-record order intake in the second quarter and the strongest customer activity linked to marine and port automation and electrification segments during the first six months of the year. Over the past decade, the division has transformed from dependence on a limited number of segments—cruise, icebreakers, offshore oil and gas, and crane automation—to a diversified business with strong footholds in naval vessels, cargo shipping, and port electrification.

The division's transformation into a fully accountable global business structure has enabled faster decision-making and greater market responsiveness. Recent achievements include the successful Azipod propulsion business with new product launches such as the Azipod M series for ferries and RoPax vessels, expansion of the marine service network to 28 locations, and breakthroughs in the cargo ship segment with permanent magnet shaft generator orders and increased uptake of the Onboard DC Grid modular power system.

In November 2025, ABB also formalized strategic collaboration with luxury yacht builder Oceanco to pioneer propulsion excellence, further demonstrating the division's expanding influence across maritime segments. The division continues to invest in core innovation areas, including the ABB Dynafin propulsion concept launched in 2023, the Compact Onboard DC Grid added in 2024, and ongoing work to apply DC technology to larger vessel segments.