Washington Governor Bob Ferguson said he will delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries in order to restore complete domestic ferry service, or 18 operating vessels, by this summer.
Ferguson is delaying the ferry conversion until after World Cup 2026, which is scheduled from June 26 through July 6. Converting the ferries under Washington State Government processes removes them from service for an inordinate period of time.
The Wenatchee, the first Washington State Ferries vessel to undergo hybrid-electric conversion, will have been out of service at least 22 months by the time her conversion is completed this summer.
Since the pandemic, Washington State Ferries has operated on a reduced schedule, significantly impacting Washingtonians who rely on ferry service. Commuters who travel by ferry between Bremerton and Seattle — one of the state’s busiest ferry routes — must wait more than two hours between boats every day.
A procurement process to acquire as many as five new electric ferries is also in process. Washington State Ferries will open bids from prospective shipbuilders in early April and said it aims to sign a contract with at least one successful bidder by late May.
After the new electric vessels are procured, Washington State Ferries will need to replace an additional 11 vessels before 2040 to keep the fleet modern and operating at full capacity.