US Edition
Florida Shipbuilder Wins Bid to Build WA's New Hybrid-Electric Ferries
- In July 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson announced the selection of Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three hybrid-electric ferries in a $714.5 million contract.
- Governor Bob Ferguson's selection of Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group was driven by its bid being 6% below WSF's estimate and 25% lower than Nichols Brothers, enabled by a recent law change allowing out-of-state construction.
- Ferguson’s $714.5 million contract with Florida’s Eastern Shipbuilding Group covers three hybrid-electric ferries carrying 1,500 passengers and 164 vehicles, with up to 90% emission reductions.
- Following the contract award, Washington State Ferries expects to restore full service this summer, boosting crew retention and vessel deployment for the first time since 2019.
- In the bigger picture, Washington aims to electrify its ferry fleet by 2040, with five hybrid vessels planned by 2030, as part of WSDOT's long-term decarbonization strategy.
31 Articles
31 Articles
The Center Square
Three new hybrid-electric ferries are coming to Washington for more than $1B
(The Center Square) – The construction of three new hybrid-electric ferries to help the Washington State Department of Transportation reach its goal of a fully emission-free fleet will cost $1.09
Washington accepts out-of-state bid for new ferry construction
A longer version of this story appeared on the Washington State Standard.For the first time in more than 50 years, Washington State Ferries will contract with an out-of-state shipyard to build new vessels. Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson made the final call to accept the low bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new hybrid electric ferries, each capable of carrying up to 160 cars and 1,500 passengers. The vessels will rep…
Ferguson selects Florida shipbuilder to build WA fleet of electric ferries
SEATTLE – Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson chose the sole out-of-state shipbuilder to construct the state’s new generation of electric ferries, opting for the lower-cost bid over supporting Washington’s local shipbuilding industry.
Bainbridge Island Review
Kitsap Daily NewsFlorida-based group to build 3 hybrid-electric ferries for WSF
Gov. Bob Ferguson awarded a contract to Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group July 1 to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric vessels for Washington State Ferries.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
