Ferry system electrification

Plans for action

We’ve been planning for ferry electrification for years. Both our 2040 Long Range Plan and System Electrification Plan have paved the way for how we’ll transition to hybrid electric. These documents have also been closely informed by specific requirements from the Washington State governor and legislature, outlined below.

2040 Long Range Plan

Our 2040 Long Range Plan (PDF 11.4MB) , which was delivered to the Legislature in January 2019, recommends short-, medium- and long-term actions for WSF to pursue and focuses on a set of investments and service enhancements to be implemented over 20 years. One of the key recommendations is to move toward a “greener” ferry fleet with the goal of a reliable fleet that has a lighter footprint on the environment and outperforms carbon dioxide reduction targets. These goals were captured in the System Electrification Plan (PDF 4MB) in Dec. 2020.

System Electrification Plan

We developed a System Electrification Plan (PDF 4MB) that expands on the 2040 Long Range Plan (PDF 11.4MB) to evaluate alternatives and propose an efficient strategy for using hybrid electric vessels throughout the system. The plan was delivered to the legislature in January 2021.

To receive the appendices for the electrification plan, please email WSFElectrification@wsdot.wa.gov .

Executive and legislative direction

Executive Order 18-01 and Executive Order 20-01 , calling for WSF to begin the transition to an emission-free ferry fleet

RCW 70A.45.050 limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for state agencies by reducing GHG emissions by 70% by 2040 and achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050

Implementation schedule

To transition to hybrid-electric power by 2040, WSF will

• Build 16 new hybrid vessels
• Retrofit 6 current diesel vessels to hybrid
• Retire 13 diesel vessels
• Electrify 16 terminals

WSF will approach this transition in three key project areas over the next 20 years: vessel construction, vessel conversion, and terminal electrification. Our program schedule will continue to be updated as projects advance.

Cost and Funding

The Ferry System Electrification program is estimated to cost $3.98 billion, with $1.68 billion currently funded from grants, state, and federal funding. 

Summary of key funding sources

• $1.03 billion from Move Ahead Washington
• $599 million from Climate Commitment Act (CCA)
• $35 million from the State of Washington Department of Ecology Volkswagen Enforcement Mitigation Action Grant
• $12.5 million from Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants
• $4.9 million from FTA Passenger Ferry Grant program for Clinton Terminal Electrification
• $2.5 million USDOT Community Directed funding for Seattle Terminal Electrification
• $1.5 million from MARAD Marine Highway program for Jumbo Mark II Conversion

Why hybrid electric ferries

While WSF is one of the first – and largest – ferry systems in the US to electrify its fleet, this technology has been broadly applied throughout northern Europe with more than 70 comparable vessels in service going back to 2015. In general, hybrid-electric ferries provide additional system resiliency by implementing a second power source that allows a vessel to continue service if there are any issues with the electricity. In addition, having diesel as a secondary power source allows WSF to manage utility costs in a way that is most cost-effective while still providing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. This model also facilitates an earlier transition to electrification, with the first vessels operating as hybrids prior to full terminal electrification.

WSF will keep ferry-served communities and ferry riders informed and engaged throughout system electrification. Engagement activities related to terminal electrification may include elements such as environmental review and pre-construction outreach. Timing of engagement will align with the program schedule. We will continue to keep the public apprised of progress in our Jumbo Mark II conversions and efforts to build five new Hybrid electric 160-auto-capacity ferries. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming engagement.

2040 Long Range plan engagement

During the development of WSF’s 2040 Long Range plan, WSF conducted extensive public outreach, resulting in participation by more than 7,400 people. Four clear themes emerged from community engagement. One of those themes, Sustainability and Resilience, showed broad support for WSF’s investment in infrastructure to maintain reliable service in a changing climate and reduce environmental impact. Public comments overwhelmingly supported “greening the fleet.” One of the top 5 priorities identified in over 2,000 public comments was broad support for WSF to design resilient and environmentally friendly vessels and terminals.

Naming our ferries

In 2021, the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) , conducted outreach to name the next ferry that will be built – a hybrid-electric 160-auto-capacity vessel. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in 2027. After this public process, the Commission adopted a resolution to name the upcoming vessel the Wishkah. A similar naming process will be implemented for future vessels.

Electrification program

To transition to a hybrid-electric fleet, WSF will build 16 new vessels, convert 6 existing vessels, retire 13 vessels, and electrify 16 terminals.

Vessel construction

The System Electrification Plan calls for delivering 16 new hybrid-electric vessels by 2040. WSF is currently seeking a shipbuilder to build the first five funded vessels. These five vessels will be the new hybrid-electric 160-auto capacity ferries, formerly referred to as the Hybrid-Electric Olympic Class or HEOC. In May 2024, WSF issued Volumes I and II of the Invitation for Bid, (IFB).

Vessel conversion

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. When the Wenatchee returns to service, the Tacoma is slated for its propulsion system updates and hybrid-electric conversion. The Puyallup is expected to follow at the conclusion of work on the Tacoma.

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 25 to 27-year-old ferries serve our communities for decades longer.

Terminal electrification

In collaboration with regional utilities, WSF is updating sixteen terminals to charge hybrid-electric ferries. We established memorandums of understanding with Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy to add power to the first five terminals: Bainbridge Island, Seattle, Clinton, Bremerton, and Kingston. Adding power involves routing new dedicated power lines and installing switchgear and a vessel charging system. Construction is currently anticipated to start in 2026 with Seattle and expected to wrap up in 2029.

More photos and renderings can be found on the WSF System Electrification Program Flickr site. 

 
While the new design may look like other Washington State Ferries, there are a number of new features on the 160-auto-capacity ferries: 

• Vessel charging receptacle locations shown as green cubicles on the upper bridge deck
• 50-seat open-air passenger lounges beneath each pilothouse
• Improved accessibility features
• Reduced topside structure to lower lifecycle cost
• 47 feet of added length
• Capacity for 160 vehicles

Below deck, the vessel will match the best ferry technology in the industry, including: 

• A flexible hybrid propulsion plant includes two diesel engines as well as two battery banks, powering two electric motors on each end
• Rapid Charging technology to charge the batteries during each scheduled terminal stop
• Three modes of operation: diesel, battery only, or hybrid mode.

The culmination of these efforts will be five new hybrid-electric vessels, expected to save a combined 240 million gallons of diesel over their 60-year lifespan.

Videos

Washington State Ferries Electrification Program

Journey to emission-free ferries 

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.

Emission reduction facts and figures

• Jumbo Mark II and Olympic Class vessels currently contribute 50% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions of our ferry system
• Converting three Jumbo Mark II vessels will reduce carbon emissions by more than 45,000 metric tons per year-- the equivalent of taking nearly 10,000 cars off the road annually
• By 2040, fleetwide emission reductions will include:
• Reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 76%
• Reduction in sulfur oxide emissions by 75%
• Reduction in nitrous oxide emissions by 94%
• Reduction in particulate matter emissions by 90%