WSF completes historic hybrid conversion of Wenatchee ferry

Vigor Marine Seattle has completed its Wenatchee hybrid-electric conversion project, marking a major milestone in its effort to modernise its ageing fleet and reduce carbon emissions.

Wenatchee, one of the three largest ferries in the WSF system and now the largest US passenger ferry to be electrified, is expected to return to service on the Seattle/Bainbridge route mid-year.

“The Wenatchee conversion is a testament to the innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication of our workforce, and our successful partnership with Washington State Ferries,” said Vigor Marine Group executive vice president and head of maintenance and modernisation Pacific, Adam Beck. “By building on decades of experience supporting the US Navy and other government and commercial customers, our skilled employees at Vigor rose to the challenge and completed a complex conversion.”

Over nearly 21 months, approximately 700 employees worked on the project. Key work completed at Vigor included the removal of two diesel generators, construction of two battery rooms housing 864 battery modules, installation of new propulsion control systems, new electric and fibre optic cable, and upgrades to onboard systems and passenger areas. 

WSF has accepted the vessel from Vigor and sea trials and crew training are now underway. Following a final Coast Guard review and additional preparations at Eagle Harbor Shipyard, Wenatchee will return to service.

The conversion is part of WSF’s long-term System Electrification Program, which aims to modernise six existing ferries and build 16 new hybrid-electric ferries by 2040. Once completed and using shore charging, Wenatchee, Tacoma and Puyallup – collectively known as the Jumbo Mark II class – will help cut WSF’s diesel consumption by over 17.8M litres annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these vessels by roughly 95%.