Bids to build new plug-in Washington state ferries come in high

Washington State Ferries opened bids for five new hybrid electric ferries, with Eastern Shipbuilding Group submitting the lowest bid of $251 million for a 160-car vessel. State House Transportation Committee Chair Jake Fey indicated that the budget might only allow for three ferries, despite the state having set aside $1. 3 billion for new vessels and infrastructure. The new ferries aim to modernize the aging fleet and minimize air pollution through battery propulsion. Both submitted bids included escalator clauses, which could raise costs due to fluctuating material prices.

Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the need for a detailed evaluation of the bids before proceeding, while Fey intends to seek additional funding. The last ferry in the Olympic-class series was delivered in 2018 for about $122 million, highlighting a significant cost increase over the years. The state’s shipbuilding industry has faced challenges, impacting the competitive bidding process. The expected delivery date for the first new ferry is 2029.