- Vigor Marine completed the hybrid-electric conversion of the ferry Wenatchee, involving major upgrades such as battery installation and advanced propulsion systems.
- The project leveraged the expertise of Vigor’s skilled workforce and a strong partnership with Washington State Ferries, leading to the vessel’s delivery and final preparations for service.
- Once operational, the Wenatchee and its sister ferries are expected to significantly reduce diesel use and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with WSF’s plan to modernize and expand its hybrid-electric fleet by 2040.
Vigor Marine Seattle has completed the hybrid-electric conversion of the ferry Wenatchee, making it the largest passenger ferry in the United States to undergo such a transformation. The Jumbo Mark II class vessel, capable of carrying 202 vehicles, is among the three largest in the Washington State Ferries fleet. After nearly 21 months of work involving approximately 700 workers. Bainbridge Island route in summer 2025, following final preparations and regulatory review. Sea trials and crew training are currently in progress.
Hybrid-Electric Conversion and Environmental Impact
Vigor Marine’s work on the Wenatchee involved removing two diesel generators and constructing two new battery rooms, which now hold a total of 864 battery modules. The team also installed advanced propulsion control systems, laid thousands of feet of new electrical and fiber-optic cables, and upgraded various onboard systems and passenger areas.
Company representatives highlighted that the successful completion of this complex project was made possible by Vigor’s skilled workforce and its strong, ongoing partnership with Washington State Ferries (WSF). WSF has officially taken delivery of the ferry, which is currently undergoing final inspections before returning to regular passenger service.
Once fully operational and connected to shore-based charging infrastructure, the Wenatchee, along with its sister ferries Tacoma and Puyallup, is expected to cut WSF’s annual diesel fuel consumption by more than 4.7 million gallons. This shift will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the vessels by approximately 95%, supporting WSF’s long-term goal to modernize six ferries and introduce 16 new hybrid-electric ships by 2040.
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Source: Marine Insight
