WSF Ferry Service to be Fully Restored by This Summer; Plans Include Restoring Bremerton/Seattle Route to Two-Boat Service

Governor Ferguson announces plan to restore Washington State Ferries to full service by this summer

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Delay is part of plan to fully restore domestic ferry service by this summer

SEATTLE – Governor Bob Ferguson announced today he will delay hybrid-electric conversion for two of the state’s largest ferries, putting Washington on the path to restoring full domestic ferry service by this summer. As a result of this plan, Washington State Ferries will have 18 operating vessels in the water for the first time since 2019.

Full domestic service is considered 21 vessels with 18 in the water at any time.

Ferguson is delaying the ferry conversion until after World Cup 2026, which is scheduled from June 26 through July 6. Converting the ferries removes them from service for an extended period of time. For example, the Wenatchee, the first Washington State Ferries vessel to undergo hybrid-electric conversion, will have been out of service at least 22 months by the time the conversion is completed this summer.

“Washingtonians count on fast, reliable ferries to get to work and access critical services,” Ferguson said. “We must do everything we can to fully restore ferry service to pre-pandemic levels. This decision immediately improves customer service and centers the people.”

Since the pandemic, Washington State Ferries has operated on a reduced schedule, significantly impacting Washingtonians who rely on ferry service. Right now, for example, commuters who travel by ferry between Bremerton and Seattle — one of the state’s busiest ferry routes — must wait more than two hours between boats every day. This action will improve those wait times.

Delaying the hybrid-electric conversion for the remaining two ferries prioritizes improved ferry service, especially ahead of major events like the World Cup in summer 2026.  

Continuing to move forward with new electric ferries

Ferguson is committed to building new electric ferries. The procurement process to acquire as many as five new electric ferries is in process. Washington State Ferries will open bids from prospective shipbuilders in early April and aims to sign a contract with at least one successful bidder by late May.

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