Construction Begins on Hybrid-Electric Ferries for Washington State Ferries

Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. (ESG) and Washington State Ferries celebrated the start of construction of three new hybrid-electric ferries with a capacity for 160 vehicles, in a steel-cutting ceremony held in Florida.

David Sowers, System Electrification Program Administrator at Washington State Ferries, stated that 'this is the first time in a decade that Washington State Ferries is building ferries. We have re-established our ferry system to operate at full capacity on domestic routes. Now, we are taking an important step towards rebuilding our fleet'.

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

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