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Wenatchee, nation’s largest hybrid-electric ferry, set to return to Bainbridge with phased service next week
Summary
Washington officials said the ferry Wenatchee — after a Retrofit to hybrid-electric power — is expected back on the Bainbridge route next week for limited 6-hour shifts, with full-time service anticipated by month’s end pending Coast Guard checks; officials outlined fuel savings, a 2028 shore-charging target and procurement plans for future vessels.
The ferry Wenatchee, recently converted to hybrid-electric propulsion, is expected to resume service next week on the Bainbridge route with an initial schedule of 6-hour shifts for one to two weeks before expanding to full daily service, officials announced at a press event.
Unidentified Speaker, who opened the event and introduced Governor Jay Inslee, said the vessel "is now the largest hybrid electric ferry in the entire country" and gave vessel specifications: a 202-vehicle capacity, 2,500-passenger capacity and a length of about 460 feet. Officials said the ship completed sea trials — including six weeks with engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard and an earlier eight-week trial at Vigor — and that final crew training and Coast Guard checkoffs remain before full operations.
Governor Jay Inslee framed the Wenatchee conversion as a climate and public-health measure and an economic opportunity, calling the project "a day of great Washington celebration" and saying the change will reduce pollution. "It's gonna save hundreds of thousands of tons of pollution that otherwise is going in Washington's blue skies," Inslee said. He also cited local supply-chain benefits, naming Corvus Batteries in Bellingham as a state company involved in battery manufacture.
Steve, a ferry system technical staff member, described retrofit challenges in converting an older vessel: removing diesel engines revealed unexpected "as built" conditions that required adjustments to piping, battery placement and other systems. Steve said those lessons are being captured to streamline future conversions.
On operating costs, Steve estimated roughly 25% fuel savings when the vessel runs in hybrid mode until shore-based charging infrastructure is available. Officials said the administration has set a goal to install charging capability at three docks by 2028 so vessels can operate fully electric where dock charging is feasible.
Reporters questioned procurement decisions for new vessels after a recent contract went to a Florida company; Unidentified Speaker said a wide cost disparity was the decisive factor and encouraged local builders to compete for future bids. Staff are also developing a lease-to-purchase option and other procurement paths to get additional vessels into service more quickly, though no procurement commitments were announced.
Unidentified Speaker and staff emphasized that the return-to-service timing is contingent on final regulatory checks and training. "Our plan is when it comes back into service, it will initially for a period of about a week or two start off with a 6 hour shift," the speaker said, adding that the phased approach is intended to monitor performance and make adjustments.
The press event concluded with an invitation for media to tour the Wenatchee. Officials said they will provide updates if the timeline changes.
