Lisbon debuts its first all-electric ferry

This first of ten new, all-electric ferries will open up a new age of emission-free commuter services along Lisbon’s Tagus River.

“Lisbon is making waves as a pioneer in environmentally-friendly public transportation, as many of the world’s cities realise the benefits electric ferries bring for sustainability,” said Juha Koskela, division president, ABB Marine & Ports.

“ABB’s leading position in integrated electrification solutions for urban ferries is a highly visible example of our work to make the maritime industry safer, smarter and more sustainable.”

Green replacements

Replacing a fleet of older, fossil fuel-burning ferries, the 40-metre, 540-passenger vessels will also improve passenger comfort and reduce operational and maintenance costs for the operator.

“Delivering the first of these ten ferries is an important milestone for us. We very much look forward to delivering the other nine,” said Antonio Pacheco, director of GRP Division, Astilleros Gondán.

With power distribution managed by ABB Onboard DC Grid ensuring that output of each ship’s 1,860-kWh battery pack is safe, reliable and optimised, ABB estimates the new ferries will cut about 6,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions along the Tagus river every year – equivalent to the emissions of 1,400 passenger cars.

ABB is also providing the control and rectifier systems for shore power, as well as an advanced communications system which identifies the vessel arriving, its charging status and the power required, enabling the ferries to recharge within five to ten minutes.

Ferry electrification is a key part of Portugal’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Lisbon’s electric ferry programme continues a transformative period for the municipality which also won the 2020 European Green Capital award.