Posted on August 15, 2025
PANAMA CITY, FL – Eastern Shipbuilding Group is proud to announce it has received the Notice to Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to build two with an option for an additional 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries for the State of Washington. This milestone follows the first competitive bid for ferry construction in more than 25 years for the nation’s largest ferry system.
“This is an exciting milestone in bringing new hybrid-electric ferries to our fleet,” said David Sowers, Washington State Ferries’ Electrification Program Administrator. “These vessels will not only incorporate state-of-the-art technologies in shoreside charging and battery storage to cut diesel-generated emissions, but they will also provide dependable service for the communities who rely on us every day.”
“We are honored to move forward with Washington State Ferries on this historic initiative,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “We are deeply committed to delivering world-class vessels that reflect the best of American shipbuilding, innovation, and environmental stewardship.”
The state-of-the-art hybrid/electric vessels have a length overall of 409’-6” with an 83’-2” beam and a hull depth of 24’-6”. They will be certified to transport 160 standard-sized passenger vehicles and 1500 passengers. With a draft of 16’-6”, the ferries will achieve a speed of 17 knots at full load and are designed to interface with all existing WSF dock facilities.
WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation and largest ferry system in the United States, safely and efficiently carries millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group has a proven track record in delivering complex auto passenger vessels, including the iconic Staten Island Ferries and the auto/passenger ferry LONG ISLAND, delivered in 2024. Founded nearly fifty years ago, ESG is an American-owned shipbuilder that has delivered over 350 advanced commercial and government vessels and proudly has achieved a 99% on-schedule delivery rate for the past 20 years.
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, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutters and the U.S. Army Corps’ new Medium Class Hopper Dredge. 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
