Gov. Bob Ferguson puts pause on two WSF hybrid-electric conversions

Though he remains committed to electrification and building new ferries, Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson announced yesterday that he will delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries, putting Washington on the path to restoring full domestic ferry service by this summer. As a result of this plan, Washington State Ferries will have 18 operating vessels in the water for the first time since 2019.

Full domestic service is considered 21 vessels with 18 in the water at...

https://www.marinelog.com/passenger/ferries/gov-bob-ferguson-puts-pause-on-two-wsf-hybrid-electric-conversions/

WSF: Three yards in running to build new hybrid-electric ferries

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Philly Shipyard are likely to bid to build Washington State Ferries’ planned series of five new hybrid-electric 160-car ferries, according to WSDOT Assistant Secretary Steve Nevey, the head of Washington State Ferries’

“We’ve reached another exciting step in our electrification journey! Three shipbuilders are interested in building five hybrid-electric 160-car ferries for us,” Nevey writes in his weekly update. “They are Nichols...

https://www.marinelog.com/passenger/ferries/wsf-three-yards-in-running-to-build-new-hybrid-electric-ferries/

Two retired WSF ferries headed to Ecuador for recycling

Washington State Ferries (WSF) reports that two vessels that each spent more than 50 years as part of its fleet are heading to South America. It has entered into purchase and sales agreements with Nelson Armas of Ecuador for the retired WSF ferries Elwha and Klahowya. The sale price was $100,000 each and, with approval from MARAD, the new owner plans to tow the two to Ecuador for recycling at a clean, green steel mill facility. Both are certified to be free of hazardous materials.

A small...

https://www.marinelog.com/passenger/ferries/two-retired-wsf-ferries-headed-to-ecuador-for-recycling/

VIDEO: Shipyard bid request marks new WSF electrification milestone

Washington State Ferries (WSF) has taken another big step forward in its electrification plans. It has now invited shipyards from across the U.S. to bid on building five new hybrid-electric ferries, each capable of carrying 160 vehicles .

As readers who have been following the WSF electrification story know, WSF has been unable to agree a shipyard contract to build the hybrid vessels in state, as was previously a required under state law. However, last year , the state legislature passed a law...

https://www.marinelog.com/passenger/ferries/video-shipyard-bid-request-marks-new-wsf-electrification-milestone/

Steve Nevey chosen as new head of Washington State Ferries

Washington State Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar has announced that Steve Nevey will serve as assistant secretary for the Washington State Ferries Division, succeeding Patty Rubstello, who is stepping down as head of WSF to spend more time with family after more than 33 years of service with the Washington State Department of Transportation. Rubstello will remain assistant secretary to ensure a smooth transition until Nevey begins his new role on March 16.

A career mariner, Nevey is a...

https://www.marinelog.com/passenger/ferries/steve-nevey-chosen-as-new-head-of-washington-state-ferries/