One step closer to new ferries

By Kurt Workman

In July, after a yearlong process, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Eastern Shipbuilding Group will build our three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. ESG’s price was tens of millions of dollars lower than the other bid we received. That lower cost means we can build three boats instead of only two. Their bid also includes delivery of the ferries to Washington.

Drawing of outboard profile for WSF 160-vehicle ferry. These new vessels will have open air passenger lounges beneath each pilot house, three modes of operation: diesel, battery only, or hybrid, and a rapid charging system so that battery charging can occur during each scheduled terminal stop.

Our ferries work hard

We operate the largest ferry system in the country, with a 21-ferry fleet serving 10 routes and about 19 million passengers a year. Hard-working ferries and crews serve customers more than 20 hours per day, 365 days per year. Our ferries are on average 35 years old and have an expected 60-year life span. Five of our ferries are over 50, and the oldest is 66.

For riders, older vessels mean a higher chance of service disruptions. They also mean more maintenance issues for us. These new ferries are a key part of our Long Range Plan ’s direction to have 26 vessels in the WSF fleet by 2040.

Next steps

On August 7, we finalized the contract with ESG, and now they can get to work completing the design of the new ferries and developing a detailed project schedule. At the same time, Washington State Ferries will work with our partner ABB to design and purchase the technology that will power the new vessels, including the engines and batteries. This should take about a year, then construction begins. 

Big picture

We’re offering incentives to the shipyard to deliver vessels ahead of schedule and the first 160-vehicle ferry could be in service as early as 2030. These ferries will allow us to replace aging ferries and deliver improved service. They are also a key part of our System Electrification Program to deliver 16 new, hybrid-electric ferries by 2040.

In addition to new ferries, we will add electric charging to 16 terminals. We are currently working on terminals in central Puget Sound, including two slips in Seattle. Hybrid-electric ferries will charge their batteries while loading at terminals. This will allow the new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries to reduce emissions by about 90 percent compared to our current ferries. The new ferries will primarily operate under electric power, but, when necessary, they can use their diesel engines.

Washington State Ferries is proud of the path we’re on to build our ferry fleet of the future. Stay tuned for more updates!