Washington State Ferries currently builds two 123-metre ferries at Eastern Shipbuilding © Eastern Shipbuilding

Proposal for further three newbuildings for Washington State Ferries

FerryThe US Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has proposed allocating USD 1 billion to purchase three new state ferries, along with an additional USD 150 million to keep the oldest vessels in the Washington State Ferries fleet operational until the new ships are delivered. If approved by lawmakers, the plan would bring the total number of hybrid-electric ferries under development to six, moving the state close to halfway toward its goal of replacing 13 aging diesel-powered vessels by 2040.

Washington State Ferries’ fleet currently consists of 21 vessels and faces hundreds of millions of dollars in deferred maintenance. According to the governor, the transportation budget remains stable, and the ferry investments would be funded through state borrowing. Bond proceeds would be directed into a newly created Preserve Washington Account, from which both new construction and preservation efforts would be financed.

Key details remain unresolved, including who will build the vessels and when they will enter service. State lawmakers and the Office of Financial Management will determine whether a new bidding process is required or if the existing three-unit-contract with Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group can be amended to cover the additional ferries.

jan 09 2026