The contract has finally been awarded after a year-long process in which only two shipyards submitted bids to build the new double-enders, Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Washington State-based Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.

Eastern Shipbuilder’s bid was the lower of the two, as well as being six per cent lower than estimates by WSF’s own engineers. This will be the first time that WSF has built new tonnage outside of the State in 50 years. No delivery dates have yet been given for the trio.

An additional, USD 150 million is allocated for the first vessel for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, and crew training and risk contingencies. This will bring the cost of the first vessel to approximately US SD 405 million, the second to USD 360 million and the third to USD 325 million, as contingency risk decreases with each construction.

The confirmation of the three-ship order comes as the ferry operator makes efforts to expand its services. In June, a second vessel was added to WSF’s route from Seattle to Bremerton for the first time in three years, while a third vessel was added to the Triangle Route connecting West Seattle, Vashon Island and Southworth, also for the first time in three years.

Meanwhile, from 4 July WSF will add a second vessel between Port Townsend and Coupeville for seasonal services for the first time in five years.

The hybrid-electric conversion of two of WSF largest vessels has been delayed until after the FIFA 2026 World Cup. As a result, WSF’s will return to full domestic service in late July following the return to service of WENATCHEE from her own conversion to hybrid-electric propulsion.

© Shippax