First of 10 new electric ferries delivered in Portugal

The ship was built by Astilleros Gondán shipyard for operator Transtejo and features an integrated power, automation, energy storage and propulsion solution from ABB.

Replacing a fleet of older, fossil fuel-powered ferries, the 40-meter-long, 540-passenger vessels will also improve passenger comfort and reduce operating and maintenance costs.

With power distribution managed by ABB Onboard DC Grid to ensure the performance of each vessel’s 1,860kWh battery packs is safe, reliable and optimized, ABB estimates that the new ferries will reduce CO2 emissions along the Tagus River by around 6,500 tons will be reduced.

ABB is also supplying the shore power control and rectification systems, as well as an advanced communications system that identifies the incoming vessel, its charge status and the power required, allowing the ferries to be charged within 5 to 10 minutes.