Washington State Ferries Select Florida Shipyard for $714M Hybrid-Electric Vessels

Governor Bob Ferguson has selected Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to construct three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries for Washington State Ferries, awarding a $714.5 million contract after a competitive year-long bidding process. Eastern's bid was 6% lower than Washington State Ferries' engineering estimates and significantly below the competing local bid from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, marking the first time in 50 years that Washington ferries will be built outside the state. This project aims to restore ferry service to pre-pandemic levels ahead of schedule, improve crew retention, and introduce the state's first hybrid-electric vessels, primarily serving the Seattle/Bremerton and Mukilteo/Clinton routes. The total cost for the first vessel, including additional expenses for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, crew training, and risk contingencies, is estimated at $405 million, with subsequent vessels costing $360 million and $325 million respectively as risks decrease. Washington State Ferries has also recently expanded service on several routes, adding vessels to the Seattle-Bremerton, Triangle Route, and Port Townsend-Coupeville routes for the first time in years. Governor Ferguson emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with legislative leaders to ensure fair costs to taxpayers while advancing critical ferry infrastructure.