Washington State Ferries Greenlights New Hybrid-Electric Ferries
OLYMPIA — Eastern Shipbuilding Group, based in Florida, has received a Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to construct two hybrid-electric ferries, with an option for a third. This significant development, announced on August 15, marks WSF’s first competitive bid for ferry construction in over 25 years, aiming to enhance the state’s ferry fleet with environmentally friendly technology.
Innovative Design and Cost Efficiency
The contract, revealed by Governor Bob Ferguson on July 1, showcases a commitment to modernizing Washington’s ferry system. Eastern Shipbuilding’s bid of $714.5 million was 6% lower than WSF’s engineer’s estimate and significantly undercut the competing bid from Nichols Brothers of Whidbey Island. This decision followed a comprehensive year-long process that included advertising, pre-qualifying shipyards, and addressing bidder inquiries.
David Sowers, WSF’s Electrification Program Administrator, expressed enthusiasm about the new vessels, stating, “These ferries will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies in shoreside charging and battery storage to cut diesel-generated emissions.” The hybrid-electric ferries will be capable of transporting 160 standard-sized passenger vehicles and 1,500 passengers, achieving a speed of 17 knots at full load. They will also feature three operational modes: diesel, battery-only, and hybrid, along with a rapid charging system for efficient battery replenishment during terminal stops.
Beyond the shipyard bid, additional costs for equipment, construction management, crew training, and risk contingencies bring the total estimated cost to $405 million for the first ferry, $360 million for the second, and $325 million for the optional third ferry. The state’s 2025-27 transportation budget allocates nearly $900 million for ferry system capital projects, with over half designated for new vessel construction and electrification efforts.
Bids to build new plug-in Washington state ferries come in high • Washington
Community Impact and Controversy
While supporters of the decision highlight fiscal responsibility, critics argue that the contract undermines Washington’s shipbuilding industry. Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber described the decision as “a missed opportunity to invest in a skilled workforce and create over 1,300 jobs for the state.” Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia) criticized the lack of transparency in the bidding process, noting that Nichols Brothers’ bid exceeded Eastern’s by over $350 million.
Barkis expressed concern about the implications for Washington’s shipbuilding sector, stating, “If building ferries in Washington is no longer financially viable, we’ve done something terribly wrong.” He also pointed out the absence of a Four Corners meeting or briefing to explain the final decision-making process.
Eastern Shipbuilding, which has a strong track record in delivering complex passenger vessels, emphasizes its commitment to workforce development through its “BUILD” initiative. Founded nearly fifty years ago, the company has delivered over 350 advanced commercial and government vessels and boasts a 99% on-schedule delivery rate for the past two decades.
WSF, the largest ferry system in the United States, aims to achieve an emission-free fleet by 2050. Plans include converting six existing vessels to hybrid-electric power, constructing 16 new hybrid-electric vessels, and adding shore charging capabilities to 16 terminals. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with the goal of electrifying the first five ferry terminals in collaboration with regional utilities.
