Washington State Begins Construction on Three Hybrid-Electric Ferries

Governor Bob Ferguson announced the start of construction on Washington's first new ferries in 11 years during a steel-cutting ceremony in Panama City, Florida. The state contracted Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three hybrid-electric vessels, including the Wishkah, designed to hold 1,500 passengers and 160 vehicles. Deliveries are scheduled for 2030, 2031, and 2032.

Ferguson exercised a purchase option for a third vessel, bringing the total contract to an estimated $715 million, though some reports cite a total project cost of $1.15 billion. The state chose the Florida-based shipyard over a local bidder because the cost was significantly lower, marking the first time in over 50 years that Washington has used an out-of-state builder. This follows a failed 2019 plan with Vigor Industrial that collapsed in 2022 due to rising costs.

The modernization effort addresses a critical shortage in the Washington State Ferries fleet, which currently operates 21 vessels, 11 of which are over 40 years old. The state requires 26 vessels to operate effectively and aims to acquire up to 16 new ships by 2040. A legislative workgroup led by Senator Marko Liias is currently determining how to fund the remaining 13 vessels required for the state's long-term electrification plan.