Washington Hybrid-Electric Ferry Loses Power Weeks After Return

Washington State's newly converted hybrid-electric ferry, the Wenatchee, has been taken out of service following a mechanical failure that caused it to lose power near Seattle's Colman Dock. The issue, traced to unstable communication wires in the control system, caused two of the ferry's four electric drive motors to shut down momentarily. Although power was restored quickly and the ferry docked safely, the vessel remains at the Eagle Harbor maintenance facility for further examination and repairs. The hybrid ferry, part of a $136 million, 22-month conversion program, has faced repeated interruptions since re-entering service on July 24, raising concerns about the reliability of electric power for large vessels and the feasibility of Washington's 2040 goal for an all-electric or hybrid ferry fleet. State officials also cite the lack of dockside electric charging infrastructure as a major challenge, noting the ferry currently uses a diesel generator to power its motors. Ferry schedules have not been disrupted as other ferries continue to operate on the Seattle-Bainbridge route while the Wenatchee is out of service.