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ing an ABB-led conversion. Another notable ABB project is the conversion of the 1965-built ferry San Cristoforo sailing in Lake Maggiore in Italy, which will see an installation of a complete power and propulsion system to enable the vessel’s operation in hybrid and zero-emission modes. The turnkey modernization utilizes ABB’s solutions including batteries and energy storage control system.

Saving Costs and Cutting Emissions

In recent testimony to a U.S. Congress subcommittee,

ABB outlined how economics support the case for ferry electri? cation. While achieving zero-emissions means high- er outlay, operational costs would also be lowered. ABB has modeled costs for ferries with various propulsion setups; an all-electric system could payback in as little as six years.

As with electric cars, wider deployment and further re- search and development only act to lower the upfront capi- tal cost of the zero-emission option.

The emissions argument remains as compelling as ever:

ABB’s model battery-powered ferry envisages a signi? cant cut in annual CO2 emissions when compared to a conven- tional setup.

Beyond Ferries

More broadly, it’s fair to point out that most ‘alternative’ propulsion arrangements today are centered around an elec- tri? ed system, whether they consist of diesel or LNG elec- tric hybrids, full battery power or fuel cell-based solutions.

If one size seldom ? ts all, ABB believes the future of ma- rine vessels will therefore certainly be electric, digital and connected. Whether the power source is fuel cells, batteries, ammonia-fueled generators, or a wave energy harvesting system, electric powertrains will be able to integrate them.

What this means is that an electric-based powertrain is futureproof as new energy sources are developed, a feature of special relevance here in the US, where Jones Act vessels can expect to undergo multiple repowers over their some- times 50+ year lives.

The Author

Strupp

Bruce Strupp has recently joined ABB

Marine & Ports with extensive experi- ence in many aspects of the maritime industry. He is responsible for leading all activities in North America including market In- telligence report, regional strategy and initiatives.

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