Busan, S. Korea Announces First State-Owned All-Electric Ferry

In November 2025, WorkBoat 365 reported that the Busan Port Authority (BPA) has marked a significant milestone in South Korea’s maritime decarbonization strategy with the introduction of the country’s first state-owned, all-electric ferry, powered by a fully integrated electric propulsion and power system from ABB.

Constructed by Busan-based Kangnam Corporation, the vessel represents the first tangible step toward South Korea’s plan to replace 140 state-owned vessels with cleaner, low-emission alternatives by 2030, in line with national environmental regulations. These next-generation ferries are central to achieving the nation’s 2050 net-zero goal outlined in the Green New Deal. ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ ensures efficient distribution of battery power across all onboard systems, while ABB’s PEMS™ power and energy management system oversees overall power allocation, enhances fault tolerance, and supports highly reliable operations.

“This vessel demonstrates Busan Port Authority’s commitment to cleaner, smarter port operations,” said Woong-Ki Lee, Port Manager, Busan Port Authority. “By introducing an all-electric ferry to serve our North–South Port connection, we are reducing local emissions and noise while providing a replicable model for future harbour craft. ABB’s integrated electric propulsion and energy storage system has given us the efficiency, safety, and reliability we need to deliver a better experience for passengers and a healthier environment for our city.”

“The launch of this new passenger ferry is testament to both Busan Port Authority’s and South Korea’s decarbonization ambitions and provides a blueprint in pursuit of increasing energy-efficiency and reducing emissions,” said Riccardo Repetto, Global Segment Manager, Short Distance Shipping, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “The project also demonstrates the power of ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ as an enabling platform for cleaner maritime operations. We are proud to have played an integral role in delivering South Korea’s first state-owned all-electric ferry.”

Throughout its service, the ferry will be remotely monitored by specialists at ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operations Centers. Leveraging advanced analytics through the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostics System, ABB provides continuous operational oversight, enhances safety, and enables swift identification and resolution of onboard issues.

The vessel is equipped with two 1,068-kilowatt-hour battery packs, enabling fully emissions-free operations. With a charging capacity of 500 kW, the batteries can be recharged in approximately 90 minutes, providing roughly two hours of operational range.

When docked, the ferry connects to a shore charging station via a secure optical communication link that supports automated management of charging and discharging directly from onboard systems.