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Eastern Shipbuilding and Washington State Ferries mark steel cutting for first hybrid-electric Olympic-class ferry
Summary
Eastern Shipbuilding and Washington State Ferries held a steel-cutting ceremony to begin construction of the first of three hybrid-electric Olympic-class ferries, citing fleet replacement needs, nationwide procurement and a recently executed change order adding a third vessel to the contract.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Washington State Ferries marked the ceremonial steel cut for the first of three hybrid-electric Olympic-class ferries, a milestone officials said advances a long-planned fleet renewal and system electrification.
"It's an honor to stand with you today as we mark the official start of construction on the first of three hybrid-electric 160 auto ferries for Washington State Ferry service," said Joseph DeCernia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, at the ceremony.
Washington State Ferries officials emphasized the project's role in replacing aging vessels and modernizing terminals and charging infrastructure. "We carry around 21,000,000 people a year and around 11,000,000 cars," said Steve Neavey, Deputy Secretary for Washington State Ferries, as he urged sustained investment to restore long-term reliability.
David Sowers, program administrator for system electrification at Washington State Ferries, framed the construction as part of a multi-billion-dollar initiative that couples new builds, vessel conversions and shore-side charging to cut emissions and improve operations. He also announced that the agency and Eastern executed a change order that adds a third vessel to the contract.
Organizers thanked the shipyard workforce and industry partners for their contributions and invited attendees to remain for photographs and interviews after the ceremony.
