South Korea has marked a major milestone in maritime decarbonisation with the launch of its first state-owned all-electric ferry by Busan Port Authority (BPA). Built locally and powered by ABB’s end-to-end electric propulsion and energy system, the vessel reflects the country’s commitment to cleaner port operations and its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Supporting South Korea’s Green Maritime Vision
The all-electric ferry is the first concrete step in South Korea’s plan to replace 140 state-owned vessels with cleaner-energy ships by 2030, in line with national environmental legislation and the Green New Deal announced in 2020. Operating on BPA’s North–South Port route, the ferry significantly reduces local emissions and noise while offering a scalable model for future harbor craft. According to BPA, the vessel demonstrates how sustainable ferries can play a vital role in transforming port operations and improving urban air quality.
Advanced Electric Propulsion and Smart Operations
The ferry is equipped with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system and PEMS™ power and energy management system, ensuring efficient power delivery, enhanced reliability, and improved fault tolerance. Two battery packs with a total capacity of 1,068 kWh enable fully emissions-free operations, with a full recharge taking around 90 minutes using a 500 kW shore connection. During operations, the vessel is remotely monitored through ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations Centers, allowing real-time diagnostics, performance optimization, and rapid fault detection. Automatic charging and discharging are managed through a secure optical communication link while the ferry is berthed.
The launch of South Korea’s first state-owned all-electric ferry highlights Busan Port Authority’s leadership in sustainable port development and showcases the practical application of advanced electric propulsion technology. As a blueprint for future harbor vessels, the project reinforces South Korea’s broader decarbonisation ambitions while demonstrating how smart energy systems can deliver cleaner, quieter, and more efficient maritime transport.
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Source: ABB
