Washington State postpones hybrid-electric ferry conversions
Washington State Ferries' Wenatchee is being converted to hybrid-electric propulsion, but plans to convert the other Jumbo Mark II-class ferries have been put on hold. WSDOT photo by Jim Culp.
As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. A program to convert up to three Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessels to hybrid-electric propulsion will be put on hold in a move aimed at prioritizing the state ferry system's return to full service, Gov. Bob Ferguson announced on Thursday.
The move will ensure that by this summer, 18 ferries will be operating — the highest number since 2019 — bringing the system closer to full service, which requires 21 vessels with 18 operational at any given time.
The governor's decision pauses a $100 million program awarded to Vigor, LLC, Portland Ore., in 2023 for the conversion of Jumbo Mark II-class ferries Wenatchee and the Tacoma, to plug-in hybrid-electric propulsion. The deal included a $50 million option for the conversion of a third ferry, the Puyallup.
Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat https://www.workboat.com/washington-state-delays-hybrid-electric-conversions