Development begins on new all-electric ferry for Skagit County, Washington

Naval architecture firm Glosten has begun development work on a new all-electric Ro-Pax ferry for use in Skagit County in Washington State.

The vessel will be operated by the ferry operations division of Skagit County Public Works. It will replace Guemes, a diesel-powered vessel that entered service in 1979.

The ferry will serve the short route between the Port of Anacortes and Guemes Island.

Glosten said the specifications for the new ferry will be finalised after it has completed seeking vendor input on the cost and capabilities of the electrical system, including the onboard system and shore-based charging facilities.