Washington State Ferries (WSF) has awarded a contract to Vigor Shipyards for the conversion of up to three Jumbo Mark II-class ferries to hybrid-electric power and to update the propulsion system controls to extend the life expectancy of these vessels.
The basic contract is for two vessels, Wenatchee and Tacoma, with a fixed-price option for a third, Puyallup. Work on Wenatchee will begin at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle in September 2023, with completion expected by summer 2024. The yard will then begin converting Tacoma, and, if the option is exercised, conversion of Puyallup will be undertaken in 2025.
Matt von Ruden, WSF System Electrification Program Administrator, said: “This contract is a big step toward providing our ferry-served communities with better air quality and more sustainable service. We’re tackling the biggest emitters in our fleet first, the Jumbo Mark IIs, which contribute 26% of our ferries’ greenhouse gas emissions. When our terminals are electrified in 2026, we expect emissions from these three vessels to drop by roughly 95%.”
The three vessels are experiencing equipment failures and replacement parts are often unavailable. This effort will increase reliability and ensure the Jumbo Mark IIs are available for many years to come.
Adam Beck, Vigor EVP ship repair said: “Vigor and our skilled employees are proud to be continuing our strong partnership with Washington State Ferries. Our long history with WSF makes Vigor the best place to help propel our ferry system into a low-emission, sustainable future which supports family-wage jobs all across Puget Sound. We look forward to getting to work and getting these ferries back in service for the thousands of Puget Sound residents who rely on them.”
Conversion of the state’s largest ferries to hybrid-electric power marks WSF’s first step toward electrification of the ferry system. This initiative will significantly reduce GHG emissions and prepare Washington for a changing climate. The programme will:
- Retrofit six current diesel ferries to hybrid electric.
- Build 16 new hybrid vessels.
- Retire 13 diesel ferries.
- Add charging power to 16 terminals.
WSF, as part of Washington State’s Department of Transport, aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
