Eastern Shipbuilding Group has received the official Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries to construct two 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries, with an option for a third vessel. This contract marks the first competitive bid for ferry construction in over 25 years for the United States’ largest ferry system.
“This is an exciting milestone in bringing new hybrid-electric ferries to our fleet,” said David Sowers, Washington State Ferries’ Electrification Program Administrator. “These vessels will not only incorporate state-of-the-art technologies in shoreside charging and battery storage to cut diesel-generated emissions, but they will also provide dependable service for the communities who rely on us every day.”
“We are honored to move forward with Washington State Ferries on this historic initiative,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “We are deeply committed to delivering world-class vessels that reflect the best of American shipbuilding, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”
The state-of-the-art hybrid/electric vessels have a length overall of 409’-6” with an 83’-2” beam and a hull depth of 24’-6”. They will be certified to transport 160 standard-sized passenger vehicles and 1500 passengers. With a draft of 16’-6”, the ferries will achieve a speed of 17 knots at full load and are designed to interface with all existing WSF dock facilities.
Washington State Ferries, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation and largest ferry system in the United States, safely and efficiently carries millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group has a proven track record in delivering complex auto passenger vessels, including the iconic Staten Island Ferries and the auto/passenger ferry LONG ISLAND, delivered in 2024. Founded nearly fifty years ago, ESG is an American-owned shipbuilder that has delivered over 350 advanced commercial and government vessels and proudly has achieved a 99% on-schedule delivery rate for the past 20 years.
