Eastern Shipbuilding wins WSF bid for two hybrid-electric ferries
Eastern Shipbuilding Secures Major Ferry Contract
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, based in Florida, has received a Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to construct two hybrid-electric ferries for the state. This significant contract includes an option for an additional ferry capable of carrying 160 vehicles. This marks the first competitive bid for ferry construction in over 25 years, aimed at enhancing the largest ferry system in the United States.
Details of the Hybrid-Electric Ferries
The new hybrid-electric ferries will measure approximately 124.8 meters in length, 25.35 meters in width, and will have a hull depth of nearly 7.5 meters, with a draft of 5 meters. Each vessel is designed to accommodate 160 standard passenger vehicles and up to 1,500 passengers. David Sowers, the Electrification Program Administrator for WSF, emphasized that these ferries will incorporate advanced technological solutions for shoreside charging and battery storage. This innovation aims to significantly reduce diesel emissions and enhance environmental performance.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson awarded the construction contract to Eastern Shipbuilding Group in July, with a bid totaling $714.5 million. This amount only covers the shipyard costs, with an additional $150 million allocated for the first ferry to cover equipment, building management, crew training, and risk contingencies. Consequently, the total estimated cost for the first ferry is around $405 million, while the second is projected at $360 million, and a potential third unit at $325 million, according to the Governor’s Office. Governor Ferguson stated that these initiatives are part of efforts to restore domestic ferry service to pre-pandemic levels and improve crew retention.
In March, Governor Ferguson announced that the hybrid-electric conversion of two of the state’s largest ferries would be postponed until after the 2026 World Cup. However, the conversion of the Wenatchee ferry has already been completed, marking a significant step towards the electrification of WSF’s fleet. The project was initially announced in August 2023, with work on the Wenatchee commencing in September.
Future of Washington State Ferries
In addition to the new ferries, WSF has partnered with Swiss equipment provider ABB to serve as the single-source vendor for propulsion systems for the new hybrid-electric vessels. This initiative is part of WSF’s broader $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan, which includes the delivery of 16 new units. This move towards electrification reflects a growing trend across the nation, as seen with New York State’s recent unveiling of its first hybrid-electric ferry, the Harbour Charger, built by Conrad Shipyard.
As Washington State embarks on this ambitious electrification journey, the new hybrid-electric ferries are expected to play a crucial role in modernising the ferry system while addressing environmental concerns. The successful implementation of this project could set a precedent for other states looking to enhance their own ferry services.
