ABB has been contracted by Remontowa Shipbuilding to provide power distribution and propulsion systems for seven all-electric double-ended ferries ordered by Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL).
The vessels, scheduled for delivery from late 2027 through early 2029, will operate on routes in the Clyde and Hebrides region on Scotland’s west coast.
ABB is also set to deliver shore power infrastructure at various CMAL terminals, beginning with Kennacraig and Port Askaig.
The order is part of CMAL’s Small Vessel Replacement Programme, which aims to modernise the company’s ferry fleet and upgrade terminal facilities.
The project is co-funded by the Scottish Government and forms part of ongoing efforts across the UK aimed at reducing emissions from vessels while docked in ports.
Remontowa Shipbuilding commerce director Michal Jaguszewski said: “We appreciate ABB’s expertise in power, propulsion and electrification.
“Combined with our excellence in shipbuilding, we will make this a great set of vessels to advance low-emission transportation across the western Scottish ferry network.”
Each 50m vessel will carry up to 200 passengers and 24 cars, with one vessel designed for a capacity of 250 passengers and 16 cars.
ABB will supply its Compact Onboard DC Grid system to the new vessels.
The solution includes a marine DC switchboard, wall-mounted HES880 mobile inverters, and AXME Marine Motors.
The configuration is designed to accommodate vessels with limited space and integrates power management, energy monitoring, alarm, and control systems.
Shore connection equipment from ABB will enable the new ferries to connect to the local electrical grid while berthed, allowing engines to be switched off in port.
The reduction in emissions supports CMAL’s stated environmental objectives, according to the company.
ABB marine and ports division president Juha Koskela said: “This order confirms the ability of our Compact Onboard DC Grid to meet the power requirements of our short-distance shipping customers in a distributed design suited to smaller hulls.
“By enabling the efficient and flexible electrification of inland, coastal, and short-sea ships, the system makes an invaluable contribution to maritime decarbonisation.”
In September this year, ABB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swedish nuclear energy company Blykalla to accelerate the deployment of lead-cooled small modular reactors (SMRs) within the maritime sector.
