The first in a series of 10 all-electric ferries featuring ABB’s power solutions has been delivered by the Astilleros Gondán shipyard to the Portuguese transport operator Transtejo.
As previously reported, the construction contract was announced in April 2021 and the 40-metre ferries, which will have capacity for some 540 passengers, will operate on the Tagus River between Lisbon and south of the Portuguese capital. Ferry electrification is a key element in Portugal’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Each vessel features a 1,860-kWh battery pack and power distribution is managed by an ABB Onboard DC Grid. ABB estimates that the new ferries will cut about 6,500 tons in CO2 emissions along the Tagus River every year, which is equivalent to the emissions of 1,400 cars.
ABB is also providing the control and rectifier systems for shore power as well as an advanced communications system which identifies the vessel arriving, its charging status and the power required, enabling the ferries to recharge within 5-10 minutes.
‘Lisbon is making waves as a pioneer in environmentally-friendly public transportation, as many of the world’s cities realise the benefits electric ferries bring for sustainability,’ said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports.
‘ABB’s leading position in integrated electrification solutions for urban ferries is a highly visible example of our work to make the maritime industry safer, smarter, and more sustainable. We at ABB are proud to play a key role in shaping shipping’s new reality.’