Florida company selected to build hybrid-electric ferries for WSF, sparking local job concerns

Washington State has selected Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries for Washington State Ferries (WSF) at a cost of $714.5 million, a decision that prioritizes cost savings but has raised concerns about bypassing local shipbuilders and its impact on Washington’s economy. “After careful consideration and conversations with legislative leaders, I […]

At the Brink: Inslee issues $1.5 million emergency funding to restore San Juan ferry service

During a meeting with San Juan Island leaders, residents and businesses on Tuesday, September 17, Governor Jay Inslee announced he is issuing $1.5 million in emergency and short-term funding to restore critical ferry transportation networks throughout the San Juan Islands. Due to crewing challenges, the Interisland route has been the least reliable in the system, […]

WA scuttles $200,000 sale of two retired state ferries to Ecuador

Washington’s nearly two-year effort to unload a pair of retired state ferries ran aground this week as officials with Washington State Ferries announced on September 5 that the agreement to sell the Elwha and Klahowya for $100,000 each to Nelson Armas who planned to tow them to Ecuador to be scrapped. This might turn out to […]