Wait for new WA ferries grows even longer with selection of Florida shipyard

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson awarded a $715 million contract to Eastern Shipbuilding for three hybrid electric ferries, with the first delivery now scheduled for 2030. This decision marks a significant shift, as it is the first time in over 50 years that Washington has chosen an out-of-state shipbuilder for new ferries. The Washington State Ferries system, which urgently needs new vessels to restore pre-pandemic service levels, is now faced with a longer wait. Eastern's bid was hundreds of millions of dollars less than that of local competitor Nichols Brothers, which had committed to the original four-year delivery timeline.

Nichols Brothers expressed disappointment at losing the bid despite meeting state specifications for a quicker delivery. Ferry system spokesperson Kurt Workman stated that the cost savings outweighed the longer schedule, emphasizing the realism of Eastern's timeline. Frequent ferry riders are bracing for potential further delays, given the complexity of the new hybrid electric propulsion system. Washington recently inducted its first plug-in ferry into its fleet, highlighting the state's commitment to modernizing its ferry system.