Posted on July 31, 2026
PANAMA CITY, FLA. – Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, Washington State Ferries and Eastern Shipbuilding Group are holding a ceremonial steel cutting event to celebrate the start of construction on the new hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries. These are WSF’s first new vessels under construction in more than a decade, and the first ever new hybrid-electric vessels.
When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Central Time, Wednesday, Aug. 5th
Where: Allanton Shipyard, 13300 Allanton Road, Panama City, FL 32404
Speakers:
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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson
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WSF Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steve Nevey
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WSF System Electrification Program Administrator David Sowers
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Eastern Shipbuilding Group CEO Joey D’Isernia
Visuals: The ceremony will feature the speakers at a podium, followed by the ceremonial start of the steel cutting CNC machine. This massive machine cuts large panels of steel using intense heat, creating flames, sparks and smoke. Afterward, the speakers will be made available to answer media questions.
Invited Media: Local media from Panama City, Seattle as well as national trade publications will be invited.
Site attire: There is active construction underway on-site. Attendees must wear close-toed shoes. Sun protection including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is encouraged.
Parking: Guests are invited to park at the north end of the shipyard adjacent to the Steel Processing Building where the steel cutting will occur. Signage will be present.
WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For the latest service updates, sign up for rider alerts and track each ferry using the real-time map online.
