Electric ferries for carbon neutrality

The landmark contract will see Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Gondán supply ten all-electric 40m urban passenger ferries to public ferry company Transtejo, S.A. for operation across Lisbon’s Tagus river.

In addition to energy storage, ABB will deliver a fully integrated electric power solution and an integrated marine and propulsion automation system for the new vessels.

“Operators serving inland waters have been among the pioneers of zero-emission propulsion and we are truly honored that ABB’s technology will support the sustainability goals of one of Europe’s great capitals,” said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports.

“This project is another important industry milestone for zero-emission propulsion, showing that proven technology is available today to serve future needs on sustainable fast passenger ferry transport.”

Fleet renewal

The fleet renewal project represents a significant commitment by Lisbon metropolitan planners to accelerate the introduction of emissions-free public transport solutions.

ABB estimates that replacing the ten ferries operating on the Tagus river from diesel power to all-electric integrated power solution is expected to cut about 6,500 tons in CO2 emissions every year. This is equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide emissions generated by around 1,400 passenger cars annually.

Increased electrification of transportation, including inland waterway transport, will play a key role in helping the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to Portugal’s national 2050 Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, the transport sector aims to achieve 98% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2005, by strengthening the role of the public transport system and replacing current fossil fuel means of transportation with a mainly electric fleet.

“Cutting greenhouse gas emissions are top priorities in urban planning. Today, the technologies chosen for fast ferries operating so close to the heart of the city must be clean and green, as well as proven in terms of safety and reliability,” said Antonio Pacheco, Director of GRP Division, Astilleros Gondán.

The new ferries will be powered by battery packs with a total capacity of 1,860-kWh each. ABB’s Onboard DC GridTM power distribution system will ensure that the battery output is delivered to the ferry’s subsystems in the most optimal way, as well as enable safe integration and reliable operation of other propulsion system components.

The overall power setup will be controlled by ABB’s Power and Energy Management System (PEMS), which will also increase fault tolerance and provide a high degree of reliability while ensuring the maximum lifetime for the batteries.

The ferries will each have capacity to carry up to 540 passengers on three key routes linking Lisbon to Cacilhas, Seixal and Montijo on the south bank of the Tagus river. They will have a service speed of 16 knots and a maximum speed of 17 knots.

They are due to enter service between 2022 and 2024.