Friday, February 20, 2026

Charging Ahead: Building the infrastructure for hybrid-electric ferries

By: Kurt Workman

Over the last year, we’ve made big strides in our work to rebuild and modernize our fleet. The Wenatchee returned to service in July. It’s the largest hybrid-electric ferry conversion in North America. Having the Wenatchee in service helps us restore full domestic service. Then in August, we finalized a contract for three new ferries.

In November, we reached another milestone. We selected the vessel charging system, or VCS, that will power our hybrid-electric fleet. This decision moves electrification from planning into implementation.

Plugging into the future

Each new ferry will operate with two diesel engines and two electric motors. These engines and motors are supported by battery banks holding more than 13 megawatt-hours of storage. That is substantial capacity – roughly equivalent to the batteries in 828 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.

A diagram outlining the Washington State Ferries electrification plan, showing the connection between utility infrastructure, ferry terminals, and vessels. The diagram is divided into three main sections from left to right: • Utility Improvements: Shows an "Existing Power Grid" connecting to a "Grid Connection". • Terminal Improvements: Displays a power transmission path from the grid to the "Terminal Power Switchgear" via a "Grid-Terminal Transmission" line (12.47 kV). From the switchgear, "Terminal VCS Transmission" leads to a "VCS Platform" equipped with "VCS Platform Protection" and maintenance access. • Vessel Improvements: Illustrates a "Vessel Charging System" (VCS) connecting the terminal to a large hybrid-electric ferry. A "VCS Communications" line links the terminal switchgear to the vessel's "Shipboard Systems". The diagram highlights the Vessel Charging System (VCS) as the critical link between land-based power and the shipboard battery systems.
While design work continues, the system will resemble an overhead charging arm mounted on a platform near the terminal. Once a vessel is secured at the dock, the arm will connect, deliver power, and disconnect before departure.

A current riders won’t feel

Vessel charging is designed to fit within normal operations. Ferries will recharge each time they dock at a charging terminal, using our typical 20-minute loading and unloading window. Riders should see little to no change in schedules or boarding processes.

We also expect minimal change to the overall look and feel of terminals. The charging equipment will sit on a platform in the water near the terminal. They deliver power through the overhead charging arm.

A diagram outlining the Washington State Ferries electrification plan, showing the connection between utility infrastructure, ferry terminals, and vessels. The diagram is divided into three main sections from left to right: • Utility Improvements: Shows an "Existing Power Grid" connecting to a "Grid Connection". • Terminal Improvements: Displays a power transmission path from the grid to the "Terminal Power Switchgear" via a "Grid-Terminal Transmission" line (12.47 kV). From the switchgear, "Terminal VCS Transmission" leads to a "VCS Platform" equipped with "VCS Platform Protection" and maintenance access. • Vessel Improvements: Illustrates a "Vessel Charging System" (VCS) connecting the terminal to a large hybrid-electric ferry. A "VCS Communications" line links the terminal switchgear to the vessel's "Shipboard Systems". The diagram highlights the Vessel Charging System (VCS) as the critical link between land-based power and the shipboard battery systems.
A snapshot of the infrastructure that will provide shore charging at our terminals.

Modernizing the fleet, port by port

Over time, we plan to add charging infrastructure to up to 16 terminals. Each location will use the same charging system so that vessels can charge where needed. That flexibility makes our system more reliable and our service more responsive across routes.

Shore power on the horizon

Next up is improvements to electrical systems at Colman Dock. In July, we will begin the process of selecting a contractor for that work. A request for qualifications will be issued this spring, followed by a request for proposals in the summer.

Details on contracting opportunities can be found on the WSDOT contracting site.

a project timeline for "Hybrid-electric 160-auto ferry" construction and "Terminal electrification" from 2024 to 2030. Hybrid-electric Ferry Project • Contracts & Design: Contract awards and signing occur in early 2025, with design work spanning most of 2026. • Construction: Vessel #1 construction begins in early 2027 and finishes in late 2029. Vessel #2 construction starts in mid-2027 and continues beyond 2030. Terminal Electrification The timeline details four terminal projects with varying phases of predesign, permitting, design, and construction: • Seattle Terminal: Construction is scheduled from mid-2027 through late 2029. • Bainbridge Island Terminal: Construction runs from early 2028 through late 2029. • Clinton Terminal: Construction begins in mid-2028 and ends in early 2030. • Bremerton Terminal: Design begins in 2028, with construction starting in mid-2030.
Terminal and new vessel electrification schedule through 2030

Charting the course ahead

Modernizing the fleet requires more than new vessels. It requires durable, systemwide infrastructure.

Investments in shore charging are central to rebuilding the fleet and reducing emissions. These improvements also deliver long-term fuel and maintenance savings for Washingtonians. This work positions the ferry system for dependable service in the decades ahead.

Read more about ferry system electrification.

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