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

Washington State Ferries will wait until 2030 for the delivery of a new plug-in vessel after a $715 million contract was awarded to Eastern Shipbuilding. The chosen Florida-based firm secured the contract by significantly underbidding a local competitor, Nichols Brothers, despite requesting an additional year for delivery. This decision prioritizes taxpayer savings over quicker service restoration, as Washington's ferry system struggles to return to pre-pandemic reliability. Nichols Brothers' CEO Gavin Higgins expressed disappointment, noting their bid aligned with the original four-year timeline. Ferry system spokesperson Kurt Workman emphasized that the cost savings influenced the decision to extend the schedule.

Riders are concerned about potential further delays, considering the challenges of implementing new hybrid electric technology. Washington's first plug-in ferry was introduced this past summer, but it faced significant budget overruns and delays. The state has not turned to an out-of-state shipbuilder for new ferries in over 50 years, marking a significant shift in procurement strategy.