Eastern Shipbuilding Begins Ferry Construction

Legacy automated check: the original source text was not preserved. These earlier verdicts have not passed the current publication checks and may contain errors. Source: original document ↗

• ✓
  Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction on Washington’s first new ferry in 11 years on August 5, 2026“Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction on Washington’s first new ferry in 11 years, an important milestone in his pledge to reform and rebuild Washington’s ferry system.”
• ✓
  Eastern Shipbuilding Group held a ceremonial steel cutting in Panama City, Florida“PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction on Washington’s first new ferry in 11 years, an important milestone in his pledge to reform and rebuild Washington’s ferry system. The occasion will be marked by a ceremonial steel cutting event today at Eastern’s shipyard in Panama City, Fla., to begin construction of the first new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferry.”
• ✓
  The state contracted with Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three hybrid-electric ferries“The state contracted with Eastern to build two new ferries, with an option for a third vessel. Ferguson also announced today that he is exercising that option to bring a third new ferry to Washington’s waters.”
• ✓
  The contract for three hybrid-electric ferries cost $714.5 million“Under the contract, Eastern will build three ferries for $714.5 million.”
• ✓
  Governor Bob Ferguson exercised an option for a third vessel“Ferguson also announced today that he is exercising that option to bring a third new ferry to Washington’s waters.”
• ✓
  The new ferries will replace aging vessels, including 11 over 40 years old“Washington’s fleet is aging, with 11 ferries over 40 years old, and one that’s 67.”
• ✓
  Washington’s ferry system needs 26 vessels to operate effectively“Washington’s ferry system needs 26 vessels to operate effectively into the future.”
• ✓
  The contract saved $360 million compared to the alternative bidder“In July 2025, Governor Ferguson selected Eastern, whose bid was more than 30% lower than the alternative bidder. Selecting Eastern saved Washington state taxpayers approximately $360 million.”
• ✓
  Total costs for three vessels are $1.15 billion“This brings the total cost of the three vessels to $1.15 billion.”
• ✓
  Governor Ferguson plans to use savings to fund a fourth ferry“The governor is committed to utilizing these savings to help fund a fourth ferry.”
• ✓
  Construction will begin on all three vessels“The state contracted with Eastern to build two new ferries, with an option for a third vessel. Ferguson also announced today that he is exercising that option to bring a third new ferry to Washington’s waters.”
• ⚠
  The first ferry is expected to join the fleet within the next few yearsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
• ✓
  The project is part of Governor Ferguson’s plan to rebuild Washington State Ferries“Governor Ferguson announced today that Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction on Washington’s first new ferry in 11 years, an important milestone in his pledge to reform and rebuild Washington’s ferry system.”
• ✓
  Washington State Ferries faced high cancellations and crew retention issues when Governor Ferguson took office in 2025“Before Governor Ferguson took office, cancelations were high, and crew retention was flagging.”