ABB's Zero-Emission Ferry Project "Gathering Pace"

ABB says its project to covert two ferries to battery-power is "gathering pace."

ABB Tuesday said its project to covert two HH Ferries AB's (HH Ferries') vessels into what are expected to become the world's largest zero-emission battery-powered ferries is "gathering pace" after Öresund Dry Docks AB (Öresund) was selected to construct the related shore side charging arm.

As Ship & Bunker has previously reported, under the project, ABB will provide automated shore side charging stations, complete battery power, and propulsion systems to the two vessels, Tycho Brahe and Aurora.

"We have a strong commitment to our customer HH Ferries and we need the best partners to work with us. We have experience of working with our selected suppliers and we are confident that their competence and high technical standards will meet ABB's and HH Ferries' requirements for this project," said Marcus Högblom, ABB's Vice President of Global Sales, Passenger vessels and Azipod propulsion.

The ferries will receive ABB batteries, energy storage control system, and Onboard DC Grid technology, while ABB's IRB 7600 will be used as part of the new charging station technology.

"Our conversion of the Tycho Brahe and Aurora ferries to battery operation is an essential part of our environmental strategy to reduce emissions and reduce the environmental footprint of our operations on Öresund," said Henrik Rørbæk, CEO of HH Ferries.

"When the two ferries will sail on pure electric power before the end of 2017 it will be to the benefit our many passengers and the local environment."

The vessels' new battery solution is expected to cut total emissions across the fleet by over 50 percent compared to current diesel-powered vessels, says ABB

The two ferries are slated to operate between Helsingør, Denmark and Helsingborg, Sweden on 100 percent battery power.

In October, Ship & Bunker reported that ABB had been shortlisted for the "Energy Efficiency Solution Award" category of the 2016 Ship Efficiency Awards for its work on Tycho Brahe and Aurora.