Construction officially began on Wednesday in Panama City, Florida, for the first new Washington State Ferry vessel in over a decade. Top officials from the agency gathered at the Eastern Shipbuilding Group yard to celebrate the cutting of steel for a hybrid-electric ferry designed to serve the Mukilteo-Clinton route. This milestone marks a significant step in replacing an aging fleet that has faced increasing strain due to retirements and operational challenges since the pandemic.
Modernizing a Strained Fleet
The state ferry system is urgently seeking new vessels to replace boats that are past or near retirement age. Over the last ten years, four ferries have been retired from service. The first of three newly ordered hybrid-electric ferries, named the Wishkah, is scheduled for delivery in summer 2030. Additional units are expected in 2031 and 2032. These vessels will feature a capacity for 160 cars and 1,500 passengers, utilizing rechargeable battery power as their primary energy source with diesel generators available as backup.
Washington State Ferries Chief Steve Nevey emphasized the importance of this investment during the ceremony. "Today's steel cutting makes the future of Washington State Ferries tangible," Nevey stated at the shipyard. He highlighted that the project represents a long-term commitment to reliable service and a modern, sustainable fleet for the region.
Out-of-State Construction Sparks Debate
This marks the first time in more than 50 years that Washington has ordered new ferries from an out-of-state shipyard. The $715 million contract with Eastern Shipbuilding was selected because its bid was over 30% cheaper than a competing offer from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Whidbey Island. Governor Bob Ferguson had planned to attend but canceled due to wildfires in eastern Washington, though his office announced the state would exercise an option for a third ferry.
The decision has generated ongoing discussion regarding local versus out-of-state assembly work. The ferries will be assembled using a modular production process on dry land before being slid into St. Andrew's Bay. Transportation of the completed vessels to Puget Sound remains under negotiation, with options including towing via the Panama Canal or transporting them on specialized large ships.
Rider Concerns and Future Funding
While ferry riders appreciate the progress, concerns remain about service reliability in the interim. Ken Burtness, a retired ferry captain from Lopez Island, noted that building one new ferry per year may not be sufficient to resolve systemic issues. He argued for constructing two ferries annually to prevent potential crises as older boats continue to age.
Legislators are currently working on funding mechanisms for additional vessels. A bipartisan workgroup has begun meeting with marine consultants to determine how to finance the expansion of a fleet that aims to grow to 26 vessels by 2040. Meanwhile, lawmakers have allocated $28 million earlier this year to extend the lives of existing aging boats while waiting for new deliveries.
