Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has selected Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Florida to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries for Washington State Ferries (WSF) under a $714.5 million contract. This marks the first competitive bid for ferry construction in over 25 years. Eastern’s proposal came in 6% below WSF’s engineering estimate and was significantly less than the only other bid. The total cost for the first vessel, including equipment, management, and training, will be about $405 million, with subsequent vessels costing less as efficiencies are realized. The initiative is part of a broader effort to restore and modernize ferry service, improve crew retention, and accelerate the introduction of hybrid-electric vessels.

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