Washington State Ferries Begins Construction of Hybrid-Electric Vessels in Florida
Washington State Ferries has commenced the construction of its first hybrid-electric ferry in over a decade at Eastern Shipbuilding Group's shipyard in Panama City, Florida. This marks the beginning of a project to build three new hybrid-electric ferries, aimed at replacing the aging fleet. The construction was celebrated with a maritime ceremony, highlighting the urgent need for new vessels to ensure reliable ferry service. The first ferry, named Wishkah, is expected to be delivered by summer 2030, with subsequent ferries arriving in 2031 and 2032. The ferries will primarily operate on rechargeable battery power, with diesel generators as a backup. This initiative is part of a broader plan to modernize the fleet and reduce environmental impact. 
