Posted on August 10, 2026
PANAMA CITY, FL – Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. (ESG) and Washington State Ferries marked the start of construction on three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries at a steel cutting ceremony in Florida.
David Sowers, Program Administrator for System Electrification at Washington State Ferries, headlined the event and also announced that Washington state is accepting the option in the contract for a third boat.
“This is the first time in a decade that Washington state is building ferries,” said Mr. Sowers. “We restored our ferry system to full, domestic service. Now, we are taking a significant step toward rebuilding our fleet.”
As part of the bid terms, Eastern will deliver the first boat in 2030, the second boat in 2031, and the third boat in 2032.
“Eastern Shipbuilding Group is proud to begin construction on these vessels and to partner with Washington State Ferries on one of the most important ferry modernization programs in the country. Our team is committed to delivering safe, reliable, high-quality ferries that will serve Washington communities for decades. Today’s steel cutting is the next step in turning that commitment into three new vessels,” Joey D’Isernia, CEO, Eastern Shipbuilding Group.
“After years of design and procurement, today’s steel cutting marks an exciting moment where all of the planning becomes visible progress. These new hybrid-electric ferries will help us restore the reliability and resilience our customers depend on while building a cleaner, more modern fleet for the future. We are pleased to move forward with Eastern Shipbuilding Group and look forward to delivering these vessels to the people of Washington.” Steve Nevey, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Washington State Ferries
About Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) is an American owned and operated shipbuilder with three shipyards on the Florida Gulf Coast. They build world class vessels for national defense and commercial clients. ESG is the largest private sector employer in Northwest Florida and is a 2017 recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Small Business of the Year award. With a portfolio of over 350 vessels and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) certified systems, ESG is known as one of the most diverse vessel construction companies in the country. www.easternshipbuilding.com.
