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Washington State Ferries launched a national bidding process last week for the construction of five new hybrid-electric ferries. The announcement is a milestone in WSF’s efforts to modernize an aging fleet, reduce emissions, and improve service reliability.
“Adding new vessels to our fleet is a key part of a multiprong approach to restoring service levels,” said WSF assistant secretary Steve Nevey. “In addition to strengthening our workforce, we share the public's urgency in bringing these new vessels on board as quickly as possible… More than ten shipyards have expressed interest. What that means to taxpayers is we'll have good competition and lowest possible price.”
Hybrid-electric powertrains are proven and efficient. The five new boats will spare about 240 million gallons of diesel and 8,100,000 tons of carbon emissions over their 60-year lifespan.
A WSF rendering of the new hybrid-electric ferry design.
Building new ferries is an urgent challenge for WSF. Thirteen WSF vessels are due for retirement over the next 20 years. A 2023 performance analysis found that just eight vessels in WSF’s fleet of 21 were in a state of good repair. On-time service has slipped due to intensive maintenance requirements, as well as crew shortages.
But things are turning around – quickly. WSF’s service reliability improved to 99% last quarter, up 1.3% from a year ago. Three of WSF’s largest vessels are undergoing conversions to hybrid-electric powertrains by 2026. And now, five new boats are out for bid with a goal that they all hit the water by 2030.
By 2050, WSF intends to operate a zero-emissions fleet with a total of 16 new vessels. Portions of funding for the new vessels come from the Climate Commitment Act and the 2022 Move Ahead Washington transportation package.
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In response to record traffic death, excessive highway debris, and other irresponsible driving patterns, stage agencies are urging drivers to adjust course.
The state Department of Ecology reminds drivers to “secure your load,”. Spilled cargo causes over 300 crashes and 30 injuries every year in Washington state. Unsecured loads also contribute to roadway litter. Ecology found an average of 73,580 pieces of litter per mile of highway in 2022. They picked up more than 5.6 million pounds of trash in 2023.
No less destructive were the 37,758 cigarette butts counted by Ecology last year. Three-quarters of wildfires on state lands last year were human-caused; discarded cigarette butts were a common denominator.
The Washington State Patrol’s “90 Dangerous Days” campaign encourages drivers to slow down, put down distractions, and never drive impaired. On average, 65 Washingtonians die monthly during June, July, and August since 2018. In total, 810 Washingtonians died last year from roadway accidents – a 33-year record. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission cited impairment as a leading factor in 400 of those deaths. Excessive speed led to 251 deaths, and distraction led to 125 deaths.
Weekend events were stark reminders of the dangers of impaired driving. In Pierce County, impaired drivers caused three separate collisions within three hours, each driving the wrong way, against traffic, on a major roadway. Two innocent people died.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission counted 733 fatal crashes accounting for 810 deaths in Washington state in 2023.
WSF offers generous scholarships for maritime apprenticeships
Washington State Ferries is looking for 12 people – no experience required – to offer a full-ride scholarship worth $100,000 to become licensed deck officers. The two-year program is administered by the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies to prepare apprentices for maritime careers. Upon graduation, WSF licensed deck officer wages start at $97,000. In addition to the generous scholarship, apprentices get a $200 stipend for every day of training they receive aboard a ferry. An informational session about the program is coming up on June 15.
Life-changing financial aid for students awaits – if you file your FAFSA
Washington’s higher education leaders are reminding students, "Don’t forget the FAFSA; it could change your life.” The hour it takes to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) might be the best hour you ever spend. Studies show that education or training beyond high school is crucial to landing well-paying jobs. Good thing Washington offers the most generous student aid in the country to help you along. An eligible student from a family of four with an annual income of $78,500 pays no tuition, for example. The WA Grant helps students attend not just college, but also career training or apprenticeships. There’s just one catch: you have to file your FAFSA.
310 new laws took effect June 6
Hundreds of new laws took effect in Washington state this Thursday. Owners must report lost or stolen firearms, and open carry is now restricted in some public places. Police pursuits are now permitted when officers have reasonable suspicion that a suspect violated the law, but hog-tying suspects is now illegal. And other new laws prohibit child marriage, permit “co-living” residential units with shared amenities, and more.
New program helps overdose patients take next steps
A new state program will make it easier for physicians to prescribe substance use disorder-treating medications like methadone and buprenorphine to help people recover from an overdose and begin to work towards a durable recovery from addiction. Over 3,400 Washingtonians died from overdoses in 2023. Broader use of SUD medications might cut that figure dramatically; currently, only one in 12 overdose patients is prescribed these medications.
Washington’s building standards lead the nation
Washington state’s nation-leading building performance standards are lowering bills, improving air quality, and creating new jobs. Buildings account for 35% of the nation’s carbon emissions. Washington’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard is among the state’s biggest climate policies. The program includes incentives for certain building owners to help pay for energy efficiency improvements.
Electric cars are getting more and more affordable
Electric vehicle registrations jumped 43% last year – their increasing affordability was a major factor. Federal tax credits of up to $7,500 are slashing prices. A new state rebate for lower-income buyers will drop monthly lease or purchase costs to as little as $56 per month. New models are adding variety and competition, naturally lowering prices. And a used market is starting to develop. EV drivers also save money by recharging for just a fraction of equivalent fuel costs.
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