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WSF shows hybrid-ferry progress: Wenatchee sea trials, bids opened for 160-car hybrid ships
Summary
WSF leaders said the Wenatchee is in sea trials after conversion, reported about 6.6 MWh battery capacity for that vessel, and confirmed bids were received for new 160-car hybrid ferries while terminal electrification work is planned to begin in the 2027–2030 window.
Speakers at a Washington State Ferries community meeting described progress on the agency’s electrification program and the Wenatchee conversion, and laid out rough timing for terminal charging infrastructure.
David Sowers, who leads WSF’s electrification program, said the Wenatchee is in sea trials in Elliott Bay running batteries and diesel engines in various modes as part of testing; he expects the vessel could enter service in July after Coast Guard reviews and additional crew training. Sowers gave the Wenatchee battery capacity as about 6.6 megawatt-hours and said the batteries will be used at roughly 90% of that rating in operation.
Sowers also said WSF opened bids for the new 160‑car hybrid-electric ferries and received two proposals from prequalified shipyards. He described the procurement evaluation process and noted WSF is reviewing contract documentation and bidder compliance before awarding the work.
Agency leaders emphasized that the full emissions and fuel-savings benefits require shore-side charging infrastructure. WSF is working with utilities including Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light and expects to make terminal electrification progress starting around 2027, with larger-scale grid and charging readiness through 2028–2030 as new ferries arrive.
Presenters stressed that a governor-directed delay to convert two Jumbo Mark II vessels until after an international event (the World Cup) is a temporary pause and does not end the program; the agency’s long-term plan remains to operate a hybrid-electric fleet.
WSF said success metrics for electrification will include the amount of time vessels operate on battery power, on-time delivery of electrification projects and adherence to budgets and emissions targets.
