Construction officially began in Panama City, Florida, on Wednesday for the first new Washington State Ferry vessel in more than a decade. The ceremony marked the cutting of steel at the Eastern Shipbuilding Group facility, signaling the start of production for one of three hybrid-electric ferries designed to replace aging vessels. This milestone represents a significant step in modernizing the state's maritime infrastructure after years of service disruptions and fleet shortages.
Modernization and Fleet Expansion
The new 160-car, hybrid-electric vessel is expected to serve the Mukilteo-Clinton route upon its completion. The first ferry, named the Wishkah, has an anticipated delivery date in summer 2030, with subsequent vessels scheduled for 2031 and 2032. These ferries are designed to operate primarily on rechargeable battery power, utilizing twin diesel generators only as a backup source of propulsion.
Washington State Ferries Chief Steve Nevey described the steel-cutting ceremony as making "the future of Washington State Ferries tangible." The state has exercised its purchase option for a third hybrid ferry from Eastern Shipbuilding, expanding an initial order placed in 2025. This expansion supports a long-term plan to grow the fleet to approximately 26 vessels by 2040.
Contract Details and Economic Impact
The $715 million contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group was selected after competing bids, offering savings of more than 30 percent compared to a bid from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. The agreement includes the delivery of each ferry via the Panama Canal. While the ferries will be assembled in modular sections on dry land and slid into St. Andrew’s Bay for launch, negotiations continue regarding whether they will be towed or transported by specialized ships.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group CEO Joey D’Isernia stated that his company is proud to partner with Washington State Ferries on what he called "one of the most important ferry modernization programs in the country." The project marks the first time in over 50 years that Washington has ordered new ferries from an out-of-state shipyard.
Addressing Service Reliability
The construction effort addresses urgent needs within a system strained by canceled sailings and crew shortages since the pandemic. The current fleet averages 35 years in age, with five vessels exceeding 50 years old. To mitigate immediate risks as older boats approach retirement, lawmakers recently approved $28 million for vessel preservation.
While ferry riders expressed satisfaction at the progress, concerns remain about bridging the gap until new vessels arrive. Ken Burtness, a retired ferry captain and Lopez Island resident, noted that building one ferry per year may not be sufficient to resolve systemic issues. Advocacy groups have urged consideration of interim solutions, including partnerships with other transit agencies or alternative funding models, while awaiting full fleet replacement.
