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 nineteen million gallons of diesel fuel to support nearly twenty million 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
$1.68 billion secured funding | $3.98 billion total estimated cost
Major project alerts
On May 30, 2024, WSF published Volumes I and II of an Invitation for Bid to build up to five new hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries. Additional details and a link to the documents are below.
WSF aspires to an emission-free ferry fleet by 2050. To get there, we will convert six existing vessels to hybrid-electric power, build 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and add shore charging to 16 terminals.
The Ferry System Electrification program is estimated to cost $3.98 billion, with $1.68 billion currently funded from grants, state, and federal funding. Much of this funding comes from two major Washington state initiatives, including $1.03 billion from Move Ahead Washington and $599 million from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov . The program's funding sources also include grants and federal funding.
Hybrid-electric new vessel procurement
Sept. 26, 2024: WSF received special prequalification packages from three shipbuilders interested in building our first five hybrid-electric vessels: Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freeland, Wash.; Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, Fla.; and Philly Shipyard, Philadelphia, Pa. We look forward to shipyard visits in the coming months as part of our multi-step invitation to bid process.
In May 2024, WSF issued Volumes I and II of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) to build up to five new hybrid-electric 160-auto-capacity ferries, formerly referred to as HEOCs. Volumes I and II include bidder instructions, contract general terms and conditions, and prequalification requirements. Release of Volumes III-V of the IFB are anticipated in fall 2024. Want to learn more about this exciting milestone? Check out our WSDOT Blog.
160 auto-ferry system propulsion experts
In July 2024, WSF announced the hiring of marine technology electrification experts ABB to support the design and construction of the five new hybrid-electric 160-auto-capacity ferries. ABB will provide a complete propulsion system design, oversee timely delivery of equipment and offer expertise in equipment installation and commissioning.
Timing for new hybrid-electric vessels
There are four key reasons WSF can deliver hybrid-electric vessels faster than new diesel vessels:
Legislative direction. In 2023, the Washington legislature passed EHB 1846 (PDF 133KB), a bill directing WSF to build five new hybrid-electric (battery/diesel) vessels. This bill also allows for a faster and more competitive process to select shipbuilders, including a nationwide invitation for bid and the potential for WSF to issue up to two-contracts at once. These contracting laws only apply to the construction of new hybrid-electric vessels. Diesel-only vessels would require new legislation during the 2025 session.
Funding. The Legislature allocated nearly $1.3 billion specifically dedicated to the design and construction of new hybrid-electric vessels. To shift to diesel-only vessels would also require new legislation and direction to WSF to reallocate resources and staffing.
Design. The design for the new hybrid-electric ferries is nearly complete. Olympic Class diesel ferries were constructed between 2014-2018. However, the propulsion and electrical system suppliers for those vessels are no longer in business. If directed to build new diesel-only ferries, WSF would need to contract for a new propulsion system, and then design a new vessel for that system – a process that could take over a year before even starting the process to select a shipbuilder.
Contracting. We’ve already launched the search for shipbuilders to build five new hybrid-electric vessels. Through this contracting process, we expect two new hybrid-electric vessels to enter service in 2028 and an additional three vessels by 2030. The delays from design, funding, and legislation mean that the earliest a new diesel-only vessel could enter service would be 2030, two years after the first hybrid-electrics.
After one year at Vigor shipyard, work to modernize the Wenatchee is progressing, including the necessary and long-planned upgrade to its aging propulsion system and conversion to hybrid-electric power. WSF originally estimated work would take roughly a year to complete and now expects a return to service summer 2025. To see the progress to date on the Wenatchee,visit this video.
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. 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-year-old ferries serve our communities for decades longer. In Sept. 2023, Vigor Marine started work on the Wenatchee. When the Wenatchee returns to service, the Tacoma is slated for its mid-life updates and conversion. The Puyallup is expected to follow at the conclusion of work on the Tacoma.
Vessel Charging System (VCS) procurement
WSF issued a Request for Information (RFI) on Feb. 7, 2024, to obtain industry feedback as we launch procurement of the vessel charging system (VCS) for the hybrid-electric fleet. We appreciate the interest and involvement from all respondents. To view a consolidated list of questions and answers, please visit WSF’s contracting website .
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.
For a more in-depth look at our ferry electrification efforts, watch the extended video.
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.
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.
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
We are working with the five different utilities to convert sixteen terminals: Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, Orcas Power & Light, Tacoma Power, and Jefferson PUD. We’re forming agreements with these utilities to bring enough electricity to our terminals to supply additional power from the substations to the affected terminals. Most utilities do have enough electricity to supply the needs of ferries, but each utility has different challenges to overcome to meet this need. We’ll be working with utilities early and often as we collaborate to build a hybrid electric ferry system.
In addition, WSF is in preliminary engineering to bring power to Colman Dock in Seattle, to the Bainbridge Island and Bremerton terminals, and to the Clinton/Mukilteo route. Construction at these terminals is currently anticipated to start in 2025 a6nd expected to wrap up in 2028.
Preliminary 3-D-renderings of the outboard profile for the new hybrid-electric 160-auto-capacity ferry.
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.
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:
