Recently, Eastern Shipbuilding Group of the United States won a contract to build three hybrid-powered roll-on/roll-off ferries for Washington State.
This marks the first time in 25 years that Washington State has used an open bidding process for ferry construction. The new vessels will help modernize the fleet of Washington State Ferries (WSF) and restore pre-pandemic ferry service levels. Two shipyards competed for the project, with Eastern Shipbuilding Group securing the contract with the lowest bid of $714.5 million (approximately RMB 5.12 billion), which was 6% below WSF’s estimated cost and significantly lower than the bid from local shipyard Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.
The project will be implemented in phases: the first vessel is expected to cost $405 million, including $150 million for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, WSF crew training, and contingency funds. The second vessel is projected at $360 million, and the third at $325 million, with contingency funds gradually reduced as experience is gained.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group is a U.S.-based shipbuilder with three shipyards along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It has extensive experience in commercial and defense vessel construction, including projects for the U.S. Coast Guard, and has delivered over 350 new ships.
The new contract signifies the first time in 50 years that WSF has built vessels outside Washington State. It is another milestone in WSF’s fleet modernization efforts. As the largest public ferry operator in the U.S., WSF has faced criticism in recent years due to an aging fleet and reduced service frequency.
Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson stated, “We are restoring local ferry service to pre-pandemic levels years ahead of schedule, improving crew retention, and soon welcoming the first hybrid-electric vessel into operation.”
Previously, in August 2023, WSF signed a $100 million contract with Vigor Shipyards to convert 2+1 Jumbo Mark II-class ferries from diesel to hybrid power. Two vessels will be retrofitted first, with the third expected to begin in 2025. These are among the largest ferries in WSF’s fleet, and the project aims to extend their service life.
As part of the project, the ferry “Wenatchee” has completed its hybrid conversion and is expected to re-enter service this month. The retrofits for the “Tacoma” and “Puyallup” have been delayed.
The Washington State government, as WSF’s owner, is also investing heavily in improving ferry crew recruitment, training, and retention to stabilize the system. The current budget allocates over $39 million for workforce support programs.
WSF currently operates a fleet of 21 ferries serving Puget Sound and the Salish Sea, including interstate routes and connections to British Columbia, Canada. Its modernization plan includes converting six diesel ferries to hybrid power, building 16 new hybrid vessels, retiring 13 diesel ferries, and installing shore charging facilities at 16 terminals.
