David Sowers, Program Administrator for System Electrification at Washington State Ferries, headlined the event and announced that Washington state is accepting the option in the contract for a third newbuilding the series.

“This is the first time in a decade that Washington state is building ferries,” said Mr. Sowers. “We restored our ferry system to full, domestic service. Now, we are taking a significant step toward rebuilding our fleet,” he said.

As part of the bid terms, Eastern will deliver the first ferry in 2030, the second in 2031, and the third in 2032.

“Eastern Shipbuilding Group is proud to begin construction on these vessels and to partner with Washington State Ferries on one of the most important ferry modernization programs in the country. Our team is committed to delivering safe, reliable, high-quality ferries that will serve Washington communities for decades. Today’s steel cutting is the next step in turning that commitment into three new vessels,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO, Eastern Shipbuilding Group.

The now three firm newbuildings will each have capacity of 1,500 passengers and 160 cars. Each ferry will have a battery capacity of 13.2 MWh.

© Shippax