Washington State Ferries Begins Construction on New Hybrid-Electric Vessels in Florida
Washington State Ferries has commenced construction on its first new hybrid-electric ferry in over a decade at a shipyard in Panama City, Florida. This marks a significant step in modernizing the state's aging ferry fleet, which has been strained by retirements and service disruptions. The new vessels are designed to run primarily on rechargeable battery power, with diesel generators as a backup. The first ferry, named Wishkah, is expected to be delivered by summer 2030, with two more to follow in 2031 and 2032. The construction is part of a broader plan to replace older ferries and improve service reliability. 
