3 vessels for 5.1 billion! Dongfang Shipbuilding Group receives order for hybrid-powered roll-on/roll-off ferries

Recently, the Eastern Shipbuilding Group in the United States won a contract to build three hybrid-powered roll-on/roll-off ferries for Washington State.

This is the first time in 25 years that Washington State has used open bidding for ferry construction. The new ferries will modernize the Washington State Ferries (WSF) fleet and help restore ferry service to pre-pandemic levels. Two shipyards competed for the bid; Eastern Shipbuilding Group won with the lowest bid of $714.5 million (approximately 5.12 billion RMB), 6% lower than WSF's estimate and significantly lower than the bid from Washington State's local shipyard, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.

The project will be implemented in phases: the first ferry is estimated to cost $405 million, including $150 million for owner-furnished equipment, construction management, WSF crew training, and contingency reserves; the second ferry is estimated at $360 million; and the third at $325 million, with contingency reserves decreasing as experience is gained.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group is a U.S.-based shipbuilder with three shipyards along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It has extensive experience in commercial and defense shipbuilding and has participated in U.S. Coast Guard construction projects, delivering over 350 new vessels.

The new contract marks the first time in 50 years that WSF has built vessels outside of Washington State. This contract is another important milestone in the modernization of the WSF fleet. As the largest public ferry operator in the United States, WSF has been criticized in recent years for its aging fleet and reduced service frequency.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said: "We are restoring local ferry service to pre-pandemic levels, years ahead of schedule, while also improving crew retention and are on the verge of launching our first hybrid-electric ferry."

Previously, in August 2023, WSF signed a $100 million contract with Vigor shipyard to convert 2+1 Jumbo Mark II class large ferries from diesel to hybrid power. Two will be converted first, with the third scheduled for 2025. These are among the largest ferries in the WSF fleet, and the project aims to extend the lifespan of existing vessels.

As part of the project, the Wenatchee ferry has completed its hybrid conversion and is expected to return to service this month. The conversion of the Tacoma and Puyallup ferries has been delayed.

The Washington State government, as the owner of WSF, is also investing heavily in improving ferry crew recruitment, training, and retention to stabilize the system. The current budget includes over $39 million for related human resources support projects.

WSF currently operates a fleet of 21 ferries serving the Puget Sound and Salish Sea regions, including inter-state routes and connections to British Columbia, Canada. WSF's fleet modernization plan includes converting six existing diesel ferries to hybrid power, building 16 new hybrid ferries, retiring 13 diesel ferries, and installing shore power charging facilities at 16 terminals.