Washington State Ferries Going Electric

WSF Opens Bidding for Shipbuilders

Program to Replace Diesel with Hybrid-Electric and Electric-Hybrid Ferries

SEATTLE, Washington - Washington State Ferries (WSF) is taking a major step towards reducing emissions and becoming more environmentally friendly. The agency has opened the bidding process to shipbuilders for five new electric-hybrid ferries. As part of a plan to become emission-free, WSF is contracting 5 new electric-hybrid ferries and will retrofit six current diesel ferries to hybrid electric. The program also includes building 16 new hybrid-electric ferries. "This is a significant step forward for Washington State Ferries," said WSF CEO Amy Lindquist. "We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and providing our customers with a clean and efficient transportation option." WSF is the largest ferry system in the country, with a fleet of 23 vessels that serve 20 terminals and carry more than 24 million passengers annually. The new electric-hybrid ferries will be built at Vigor Shipyards in Seattle. The first ferry is expected to be delivered in 2025. The retrofitted diesel ferries will be converted to hybrid electric at the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders shipyard in Freeland, Washington. The first retrofitted ferry is expected to be completed in 2024. The new hybrid-electric ferries will be able to operate on either diesel or electric power. The electric-hybrid ferries will be able to operate solely on electric power for short distances. WSF is also working to develop hydrogen-powered ferries. The agency is partnering with Plug Power to develop a hydrogen-powered ferry that is expected to be operational by 2025.