en.Wedoany.com Reported - Siemens Energy has entered into a system integration agreement with Washington State Ferries (WSF) to construct shore-based charging facilities at the ferry system's terminals, supporting its fleet electrification and decarbonization goals.
David Sowers, WSF's electrification program manager, stated that this project is a significant step toward modernizing the fleet over the coming decades. The partnership with Siemens Energy allows them to boldly advance the necessary infrastructure construction, creating a more resilient, reliable, and future-ready ferry system that serves the community while reducing emissions, preparing for the next generation of maritime transportation.
In a statement, WSF noted that the electrification project aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality in the Puget Sound region. By building critical electrical infrastructure, it will enable reliable high-power shore-based charging to support the operation of hybrid-electric ferries and future all-electric vessels.
Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States, transporting nearly 25 million passengers annually across 10 routes in Washington state waters. It is also the single largest consumer of diesel fuel within the Washington state government.
Under the contract, Siemens Energy will provide expertise in engineering, system integration, and power infrastructure to support medium-voltage shore power supply at WSF terminals. The scope of work includes system design, equipment supply and integration, as well as related coordination efforts, aimed at ensuring charging capabilities are safe, reliable, and forward-looking, aligned with WSF's evolving fleet plans.
Ryan Bishop, Director of Ferry Maritime Solutions at Siemens Energy overseeing the ferry system's electrification project, said that Washington State Ferries continues to set the benchmark for maritime electrification in North America. Siemens Energy, globally, is helping operators confidently transition to electric propulsion while maintaining the reliability and availability that passengers depend on daily.
Bishop added that Siemens Energy has deep experience integrating onboard propulsion systems with shore-based power infrastructure, supporting both new-build and retrofit ferry projects. The terminal electrification solution is based on technologies and system architectures developed from Siemens Energy's long-standing maritime electrification experience in Europe, including early electric ferry deployments in Norway, and has been adapted to the operational scale, regulatory environment, and performance requirements of Washington State Ferries.
