The Maine Department of Transportation has selected Senesco Marine – a construction and vessel repair shipyard – to build a new passenger-vehicle ferry for the Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS).

The vessel has been designed by Gilbert Associates – in collaboration with BAE Systems – and will feature an electric hybrid propulsion solution to ensure zero-emission operations.

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BAE Systems will equip the HybriGen Assist system on the vessel using a range of components to enhance system efficiency while reducing emissions and maintenance costs. The parallel hybrid system will provide all-electric propulsion capabilities, power regeneration and electric boost for high power performance when required.

The HybriGen Assist solution consists of the electric motors, variable speed generators, a battery-based energy storage system and vessel auxiliary power. Furthermore, the ferry will be equipped with Caterpillar propulsion engines and gensets, Reintjes gearboxes and a Spear energy storage system – all of which will be integrated with BAE Systems’ electric motors and power electronics.

Upon delivery, the ferry will be the first hybrid vessel of its type in Maine and will serve a route between Rockland and Vinalhaven, Maine. The ferry service serves nearly 500,000 riders and 190,000 vehicles annually.