65
MARCH 2026
C
orvus Energy has been select-
ed by ABB’s Marine & Ports 
division to supply battery en-
ergy storage systems (ESS) for two new 
hybrid electric ferries for Washington 
State Ferries. The contract includes an 
option for a third vessel.
Washington State Ferries (WSF) man-
ages the largest ferry system in the 
United States, operating 21 auto-pas-
senger ferries across 10 routes serving 
19 terminals. The two new hybrid 
electric ferries will be the first of up 
to 16 new vessels delivered as part 
of WSF’s $3.98 billion Ferry System 
Electrification plan. The project is an-
ticipated to be the largest investment 
in maritime electrification and the 
largest ferry electrification project in 
the United States to date. 
The new 1,500 passenger and 160 
vehicle capacity ferries will play a 
crucial role in WSF’s strategy to mod-
ernize its fleet and reduce its environ-
mental footprint.   
The hybrid ferries, equipped with 
both an energy storage system (ESS) 
and diesel-powered generators, will 
be designed to operate using battery 
power alone, as access to sufficient 
onshore charging capacity allows. 
An environmentally friendly config-
uration, fully battery-powered op-
erations produce zero emissions and 
require zero fuel.
With the new hybrid ferries, WSF 
aims to achieve sizable reductions in 
fuel consumption and greenhouse gas 
emissions. This is in alignment with 
both WSF’s target to reduce ferry fleet 
emissions and Washington State’s 
broader environmental goals. 
As the propulsion single source ven-
dor for the new WSF ferries, ABB 
selected the Corvus Dolphin NxtGen 
ESS for the vessels. Lightweight and 
high power, the system incorporates 
next generation marine ESS design 
with the well-proven safety features 
and unmatched performance profile 
integral to Corvus battery systems. 
The shipyard contract for the WSF 
project was awarded to Florida-based 
shipbuilder, Eastern Shipbuilding 
Group. The first two hybrid electric 
ferries for Washington State Ferries 
are scheduled for operation in 2030 
and in 2031.
MEMBER NEWS
ABB Selects Corvus Energy Battery Systems 
for Washington State Ferries
ALLAMERICANMARINE.COM
At All American Marine, we push the boundaries 
of passenger vessel design and performance. From 
advanced hull forms to next-gen hybrid propulsion, 
every vessel is custom-engineered for efficiency,   
reliability, and long-term performance. Proven on 
the water and trusted by repeat operators from 
coast to coast. Scan to see how we’re shaping the 
future of passenger vessels.

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.