Washington state to buy new hybrid electric ferries from Florida shipyard
For the first time in more than 50 years, Washington State Ferries will contract with an out-of-state shipyard to build new vessels.
Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson made the final call to accept the low bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new hybrid electric ferries, each capable of carrying up to 160 cars and 1,500 passengers. The vessels will replace aging boats in the state fleet.
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The state accepted Eastern Shipbuilding’s bid of $714.5 million for three new ferries, with deliveries estimated to begin in 2029.
However, the total cost to taxpayers will be much higher because the state plans to purchase the hybrid electric powertrain separately and made allowances for construction oversight, early delivery incentives and change orders. Ferguson’s office said this brings the cost of the first vessel to approximately $405 million, the second to $360 million, and the third to $325 million. The cost and risks decrease with lessons learned from each previous build.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/07/01/washington-state-to-buy-new-hybrid-electric-ferries-from-florida-shipyard/
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