U.S. ferry to be converted to battery hybrid system

The U.S. state of Washington plans to convert a 144-car ferry, the Hyak, to a diesel-battery hybrid propulsion system, reducing its fuel consumption by 20 percent, the local newspaper Kitsap Sun reports.

The $22 million conversion would keep the vessel's four main engines and four diesel generators while adding batteries and a variable-speed control system, allowing it to store extra power for later use.

The ferry's operator, Washington State Ferry (WSF) estimates the system will save $21.5 million in fuel costs plus $1.2 million in maintenance over the ship's remaining life of about 16 years.

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