Eastern Shipbuilding to Build 3 New Ferries

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  Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction on three new hybrid-electric ferries for Washington State Ferries on August 5, 2026“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.”
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  The first new ferry construction in a decade was marked by Eastern Shipbuilding Group's construction on three new hybrid-electric ferries for Washington State Ferries“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.”
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  The state exercised an option to add a third vessel to the contract with Eastern“Ferguson also announced today that he is exercising that option to bring a third new ferry to Washington’s waters.”
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  Eastern had already been selected over a Washington-based bidder for its 30% lower bid“In July 2025, Governor Ferguson selected Eastern, whose bid was more than 30% lower than the alternative bidder.”
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  The $714.5 million contract for three ferries saves taxpayers $360 million compared to the alternative bid“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.”
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  Total costs including additional expenses at $1.15 billion“This brings the total cost of the three vessels to $1.15 billion.”
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  The ferries will replace aging vessels“Washington’s fleet is aging, with 11 ferries over 40 years old, and one that’s 67. In 2015, Washington had 25 vessels. By 2025, we were down to 21 due to vessel retirements. Our ferry system needs 26 vessels to operate effectively into the future.”
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  Washington's ferry system has declined from 25 vessels in 2015 to 21 in 2025“In 2015, Washington had 25 vessels. By 2025, we were down to 21 due to vessel retirements.”
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  Washington's ferry system needs 26 vessels for effective operation“Our ferry system needs 26 vessels to operate effectively into the future.”
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  Governor Ferguson noted the ferries are essential for island communities and tourism“Ferries are an essential part of the Puget Sound’s transportation system. They are a lifeline to Washington’s island communities. Washingtonians rely on our ferries to get to work, school and appointments. They are also an essential part of Washington tourism, most recently playing a pivotal role in moving World Cup travelers around Puget Sound.”
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  The ferries will move World Cup travelersNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The new ferries, set to be delivered in 2028, will improve reliabilityNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The new ferries, set to be delivered in 2028, will reduce emissionsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The governor plans to use savings from the contract to fund a fourth ferry“The governor is committed to utilizing these savings to help fund a fourth ferry.”
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  The state legislature has appropriated $1.3 billion for the project“This is considerably less than the $1.3 billion appropriated by the legislature.”