Swiss technology giant ABB has been selected to supply power, propulsion and automation systems for New Zealand’s two new rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries.
The new vessels, Kupe and Cook, are being built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for government-owned Ferry Holdings Limited and are due for delivery in 2029.
ABB will provide an integrated hybrid-electric system including battery storage, generators, motors, drives and two 360-degree steerable Azipod propulsion units.
The 200-metre-long ferries will operate the 92km Wellington-Picton route and carry up to 1530 passengers and 2400 lane metres of freight.
They will provide 63% more passenger capacity and 44% more freight capacity than the vessels they replace.
Both will also be rail-enabled, allowing rail freight to be loaded directly onto the ships and reducing cargo handling during transfers between the North and South islands.
Ferry Holdings ship programme director Massimo Soprano says the technology has been selected to provide reliability and efficiency in the challenging Cook Strait environment.
“These ferries represent a key investment in New Zealand’s transport infrastructure,” Soprano says.
“Selecting ABB gives us confidence that we will deliver vessels with world-class power, propulsion and automation technology.
“These systems are designed for the demanding conditions of Cook Strait and built to minimise environmental impact over their entire lifecycle.”
Each ferry will have an 8.2MWh battery energy storage system, supporting near-zero-emission harbour operations or providing a 10-minute spinning reserve.
The system can be expanded to 12.3MWh, with further capacity possible as shore charging technology becomes available.
ABB’s two Azipod propulsion units will replace the traditional propeller shafts, rudders and stern thrusters used on the existing ferries.
The gearless units can rotate through 360 degrees and, combined with three bow thrusters, will allow the ships to move sideways at one knot in winds of up to 40 knots from any direction.
ABB says the system will improve efficiency and manoeuvrability while providing a quieter and smoother crossing for passengers.
Reducing underwater radiated noise has also been prioritised in the design to help protect marine life in the Marlborough Sounds.
ABB’s Power & Energy Management System will manage the generators, battery storage, propulsion and auxiliary loads as one integrated system, automatically balancing energy use and maintaining power if a fault occurs.
The ferries will also use ABB’s remote diagnostic system for 24-hour monitoring, predictive maintenance and troubleshooting, aimed at improving vessel availability and reducing the risk of unplanned outages.
ABB Marine & Ports global segment manager for ferries Palemia Field says the project has a personal connection after growing up on the Wellington coast.
“Growing up on the shores of Lyall Bay in Wellington, I watched the ferries push out into Cook Strait in all conditions, wind, swell and everything in between. That image has stayed with me,” Field says.
“That personal connection makes it even more meaningful to now be part of delivering vessels that will transform that crossing.
“They are quieter, cleaner, more reliable, and built for the next 30 years of New Zealand’s growth.”
