South Korea’s first domestic zero emissions ferry

South Korea is planning to replace 140 state-owned conventionally powered marine vessels with ones operating on cleaner alternatives by 2030. The plans are in line with the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, set out in its Green New Deal that was announced in 2020.

As part of this initiative, ABB has secured a contract with Haemin Heavy Industries shipyard to provide a complete power and propulsion solution for Busan Port Authority’s first all-electric, twin-hulled passenger ferry, which is due for delivery in 2022. The 40-metre long catamaran ferry will have the capacity to carry up to 100 passengers and five crew members and will operate between Busan’s North and South ports, taking about one hour to complete a return journey with an average operating speed of 13 knots (24 km/h).

The ferry will be powered by two 1,068-kWh battery packs, which will provide enough power for the vessel to complete up to four return journeys before charging from shore during  overnight stops.  

Photo: ABB