The ferry utilises ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system, which facilitates optimal battery output to the vessel's subsystems.

The new vessel is part of South Korea’s commitment to decarbonizing its fleet in line with environmental legislation

Busan Port Authority ( BPA ) has placed South Korea’s first state-owned all-electric passenger ferry, the e-Green-ho, into regular service, according to ABB’s statement. Where South Korea has taken a pivotal step in its maritime decarbonisation strategy BPA will use the new vessel for harbour tours, replacing the ageing Saenuri-ho after 28 years

The ferry constructed by Busan’s Kangnam Corporation

The ferry, constructed by Busan’s Kangnam Corporation, marks the beginning of an ambitious plan by South Korean government to transition 140 state-owned ships to clean energy by 2030, aligning with recent environmental mandates. Sustainable ferries are integral to South Korea’s initiative to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Green New Deal established in 2020.

Cleaner, smarter port operations

The newly launched ferry serves the North–South Port connection, significantly reducing local emissions and noise pollution. Port Manager of Busan Port Authority Woong-Ki Lee, stated, "This vessel demonstrates Busan Port Authority’s commitment to cleaner, smarter port operations." The ferry utilizes ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system

ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations Centers

The ferry utilises ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power distribution system, which facilitates optimal battery output to the vessel's subsystems. ABB’s power and energy management system, PEMS™, oversees this distribution, enhancing fault tolerance and reliability. Expert monitoring and support are provided by ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations Centers around the world, ensuring operational safety and performance are maximised.

Advanced Connectivity and Charging

Equipped with dual 1,068-kilowatt-hour battery packs, the ferry operates emission-free and connects to the shore charging station via an optical communication link for automatic control.The vessel requires about 90 minutes to fully recharge, providing up to two hours of operation. While docked, the vessel engages in stable optical communication for seamless charging management

A Blueprint for Energy Efficiency

Riccardo Repetto, Global Segment Manager of Short Distance Shipping at ABB’s Marine & Ports division, highlighted the project’s significance as a model for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.

"The launch of this new passenger ferry is testament to both Busan Port Authority’s and South Korea’s decarbonisation ambitions. We are proud to have played an integral role in delivering South Korea’s first state-owned all-electric ferry," he stated.

A strategic investment

On the other hand ABB  announced a strategic investment through ABB Motion Ventures in OctaiPipe, a UK-based innovator in AI-driven software for optimizing data center cooling systems. The partnership is set to equip data center operators with intelligent tools to achieve substantial energy savings, strengthen operational resilience, and meet the growing demands for sustainability and transparency. The transaction consists of ABB taking a minority stake in OctaiPipe, with closing subject to its customary conditions. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed.

Busan Port Authority (BPA) is a government-affiliated entity responsible for managing and developing Busan Port’s facilities, logistics systems and public-interest maritime services.

Kangnam Shipbuilding is a South Korea–based shipbuilder known for constructing composite and specialised vessels, including naval craft and customised commercial ships.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). 

ABB,Kangnam Shipbuilding ,Busan Port Authority (BPA) , South Korea ,a strategic investment ,electric passenger ferry , Riccardo Repetto ,Woong-Ki Lee