• Major Project

Ferry system electrification

Tokitae out on the harbor

Major Project overview

Washington State Ferries (WSF) will convert our ferry system, the largest in the country, to hybrid-electric power by 2040 following mandates from the Washington legislature and governor. Transitioning to a hybrid-electric fleet is necessary to reduce emissions, ensure resiliency, and reduce operations and maintenance costs.

As the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions among Washington state agencies, WSF burns approximately 19 million gallons of diesel fuel to support tens of millions of passengers every year. This innovative electrification program will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save millions in fuel costs.

Timeline overview

2020-2040

Major project status

Construction

Funding

$1.34 billion secured funding | $3.98 billion total estimated cost

Major project alerts

WSF published a Request for Information (RFI) on Feb. 7, 2024, to obtain industry feedback on the procurement of a hybrid-electric vessel charging system. See below for more information.

WSF aims to achieve an emission-free fleet by 2050. This means converting six existing vessels to hybrid-electric power, building 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and adding shore charging to 16 terminals. Our schedule prioritizes benefits for those communities that have long been burdened with environmental, health and social inequalities in communities like the Duwamish River Valley. Work is currently underway on Central Puget Sound routes.

Spring 2024 procurement update

WSF issued a Request for Information (RFI) on Feb. 7, 2024 to obtain industry feedback as we launch procurement of the vessel charging system for the hybrid-electric fleet. Industry respondents are encouraged to review the draft RFI and provide feedback by March 8, 2024, prior to the issuance of the Vessel Charging System Request for Proposal (RFP) in the coming months. Potential bidders or suppliers are also encouraged to register as an Interested Party with the WSF System Electrification Program .

Hybrid-electric new vessel procurement

WSF published a Request for Information (RFI) on Dec. 5 to obtain industry feedback as part of our effort to contract for up to five new Hybrid Electric Olympic Class (HEOC) ferries. The Request for Information (RFI) closed on Jan. 5, 2024. We appreciate the interest and involvement from all respondents.

WSF plans to issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) in spring 2024 for up to five new vessels. WSF will host a Pre-Bid webinar for shipbuilders interested in serving as prime contractors on Feb. 28, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. PST. WSF will review elements of the draft Invitation for Bid (IFB), provide a summary of the vessel functional design and answer industry questions. Potential prime contractors should register for the webinar by 5:00 p.m. PST on Feb. 26, 2024.

Jumbo Mark II vessels

In August 2023, Washington State Ferries awarded Vigor Marine a contract of up to $150 million to convert the agency’s three largest ferries to hybrid electric power.

The Jumbo Mark II vessels are the largest in WSF’s fleet and produce 26% of WSF’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. They also serve the most densely populated urban areas in Central Sound.

In Sept. 2023, Vigor Marine started work on the Wenatchee, expected to reenter service in fall 2024. Vigor will then begin converting the Tacoma. WSF has the option to extend the contract to convert a third boat, the Puyallup, in 2025.

While converting the vessels to hybrid electric power, Vigor Marine will modernize the ship’s controls and other outdated systems. These updates will improve reliability and help ensure these 22-year-old ferries serve our communities for decades longer.

Terminal electrification

WSF is in the process of planning and designing charging infrastructure at 16 of our ferry terminals. This effort begins with ensuring that each terminal will be able to secure sufficient energy through collaboration with local utilities.

In May 2023, WSF began a partnership with Puget Sound Energy to add medium voltage ferry charging capabilities to eight additional terminals, starting with Bainbridge Island. WSF and Seattle City Light signed a similar Memorandum of Understanding in September 2022 to provide power to Colman Dock.

Additional resources

For a primer on WSF’s electrification efforts, please see this video:

For a more in-depth look at our ferry electrification efforts, watch the extended video.