The landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in November 2021, is the largest investment in U.S. infrastructure in decades and a tremendous opportunity for our customers and partners. ABB is committed to work in close partnership with our partners in the marine sector, along with federal, state and local governments, to ensure these historic investments build a more sustainable economy and climate-resilient future.
According to the White House, the Act will invest a record $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways to address repairs and upgrades, reduce emissions near ports, and drive marine electrification and other low-carbon technologies. The ABB Marines & Ports team is uniquely positioned to help operators and customers seize the unprecedented level of opportunities in the current moment.
“Never before has such a surge of investment been directed towards the electrification of our waterways and marine transport systems, and this momentum is only growing from here,” said Bruce Strupp, Senior Account Manager, Ferry Segment. “ABB is committed to turning this valuable funding into effective, reliable solutions that combat the climate crisis, guiding our partners through every step of the process and paving the way towards zero-emissions, together.”
Electrifying marine systems through historic infrastructure investments
Providing support for the electrification of ports and ferries and funding for terminal and infrastructure upgrades, specific programs in the new law include:
- Electrifying terminal and port facilities: The Act provides nearly $1 billion to construct and support zero-emission ferries and ferry terminal facilities across the U.S. Funds will likely be dispersed through state transportation agencies to eligible entities, which include publicly owned or operated ferries that carry cars and/or passengers.
- Advancing low-emission ferries: The new Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program will make $250 million available over the next five years to purchase low-emission ferries and electrify existing ferries. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is the leading office for this grant.
- Connecting rural communities: To increase mobility in states where ferry service is a crucial means of transport, a new competitive grant program that will be managed by the FTA, was established to provide $1 billion over the next 5 years. Another $1 billion of additional funding is authorized for U.S. Congress to make available over the next five years through annual appropriations.
- Modernizing port infrastructure: Under the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD), over the next 10 years, roughly $2 billion will be made available through the Port Infrastructure Development Program for projects that improve climate-resiliency in ports against sea-level rise and extreme weather events and for projects that reduce port-related emissions such as harbor craft replacement/retrofits, anti-idling technologies, port or terminal microgrids and cargo handling equipment.
With these substantial investments and the unstoppable momentum towards decarbonization, ABB is poised to work with customer to revolutionize domestic marine infrastructure.
Integrate sustainable operations from ship to shore
ABB Marine & Ports is at the forefront of driving the evolution of sustainable shipping. ABB’s electrical propulsion, data-driven decision support and integrated solutions for ship and shore are paving the way to a zero-emission marine industry. As part of the company’s pioneering role in electric transportation, ABB has provided electric systems on board vessels for more than 110 years. Today, well over 1,300 ships employ ABB’s electric system.
The company’s role as a leader in sustainable transportation is to equip the marine industry with electric and connected solutions that maximize the full potential of vessels by aligning with federal goals and ultimately enable a safe and sustainable maritime industry. These fully integrated systems can be a reality for any operator in United States and ABB team of experts can help you navigate the layers of grant proposal and funding programs through various agencies.
“With ABB’s complete, integrated solutions for hybrid and electric vessels and shore power for ports, our technology is critical component to accelerating the decarbonization of our country’s marine sector,” said Ed Schwarz, Vice President, Marine Systems Americas. “We want to make it as easy and seamless as possible for our partners – whether it’s a government or private operator – to find the best solution to fuel our country’s path toward a more sustainable future.”
ABB is renowned for in-depth industry experience within vessels – enabling the company to secure solutions that meet the diverse needs of customers while also delivering on the grants’ electrification requirements. Integrated technology solutions include, but are not limited to:
- Vessel Electrification System – ABB provides grant application-specific fully engineered, automated and integrated bridge to propeller hybrid and zero emission propulsion systems for vessels.
- Automated & Manual Cable Management System – ABB provides application-specific fully engineered, automated and integrated Cable Management Systems that allow for rapid charging of batteries onboard vessels Shoreside Electrical System – ABB provides application-specific
- Shoreside Electrical System – ABB provides application-specific Shoreside Electrical Systems, providing for conditioning of electricity coming from the grid and/or utility to be used by the Cable Management System for rapid charging of batteries onboard vessels.
ABB works directly with customers to create best-fit solutions and provide technical guidance on fulfilling agency funding requirements; to capitalize on this exceptional moment for maritime funding opportunities and secure a zero emission reality for future generations, contact our ABB Marine and Ports team today.
ABB (NYSE: ABB) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
