Washington State Ferries (WSF) announced on Oct. 3 that three shipbuilders have expressed interest in constructing five 160’x53’x7.5’ hybrid-electric ferries. The selected shipbuilders include Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freeland, Wash., Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, Fla., and Philly Shipyard, Philadelphia, Penn.
This announcement follows WSF's recent invitation to shipbuilders nationwide to submit pre-qualification packages, a move made possible by legislation passed in 2023 that expands the agency's capacity to source shipbuilding talent across the country and build vessels at multiple sites concurrently.
The planned ferries will each accommodate 160 vehicles and are expected to enhance services on the Mukilteo-Clinton and Seattle-Bremerton routes. The first two vessels are anticipated to be completed by 2028, with an additional two by 2029 and the final vessel by 2030.
As the project progresses, WSF plans to visit each shipyard to collaborate on design specifics before soliciting formal bids from the qualified builders later this year. A WSF press release notes these new ferries mark a critical step towards creating a more reliable and environmentally friendly ferry system, reinforcing WSF’s commitment to sustainability in public transportation.
In July, ABB was awarded a contract by WSF to serve as the propulsion single source vendor (PSSV) for its five new ferries.
The WSF hybrid-electric ferries are part of the WSF's $3.98 billion Ferry System Electrification plan. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 76% by 2040 and achieve zero emissions by 2050.
WSF noted that it is excited about the journey ahead and the potential these new vessels hold for transforming Washington's ferry system into a greener, more efficient operation.
