b'MEMBER NEWSElectrification of Two Washington State Ferry Vessels DelayedW ashington State GovernorFergusoniscommittedtobuildingFergusonalsoannouncedthathe Bob Ferguson announcednew electric ferries. The procurementisexploringinnovativeoptionsfor hewilldelayhybrid-elec- process to acquire as many as five newprocuringnewelectricvesselsafter tric conversion for two of the stateselectric ferries is in process. WSF willthestatereceivesthenextsetofup largest ferries, with a goal torestoreopen bids from prospective shipbuild- to five vessels. After the new electric fulldomesticferryservicebythisers in early April and aims to sign avesselsareprocured,Washington summer.Asaresultofthisplan,contractwithatleastonesuccessfulState Ferries will need to replace an Washington State Ferries (WSF) willbidder by late May. additional 11 vessels before 2040 to have 18 operating vessels in the waterkeep the fleet modern and operating for the first time since 2019.Additionally,GovernorFergusonat full capacity.announced that Steve Nevey, head of Full domestic service is considered 21Washington State Ferries, has assumedDeputyTransportationSecretary vessels with 18 in the water at any time. the elevated role of Deputy Transporta- NeveyandTransportationSecretary tion Secretary. Nevey will work closelyMeredithwillworkcloselywiththe Fergusonisdelayingtheferrycon- withTransportationSecretaryJulieLegislature to explore innovative solu-version until after World Cup 2026,Meredith, attending Cabinet meetingstions for getting new boats in the water whichisscheduledfromJune26toreportdirectlytoFergusonandasquicklyaspossible.Amongthose through July 6. Converting the ferriessenior leadership about updates on im- options is leasing new ferries with the removes them from service for an ex- proving ferry service statewide. goal of eventually taking ownership.tended period of time. For example, the Wenatchee, the first WSF vessel to undergohybrid-electricconversion, will have been out of service at least 22 months by the time the conversion is completed this summer.Since the pandemic, WSF has operat- Navigate Risk With ed on a reduced schedule, significantlyConfidenceimpactingWashingtonianswhorely on ferry service. Right now, for exam- USIs maritime specialists ple, commuters who travel by ferry be- combine proprietary analytics, tween Bremerton and Seattleone ofbroad experience, and national the states busiest ferry routesmustresources to create customized waitmorethantwohoursbetweeninsurance and risk management programs designed to reduce boats every day. This action will im- cost and lower risk for your prove those wait times. business.Delayingthehybrid-electricconver- Proud supporters of the sionfortheremainingtwoferriesProperty & CasualtyPassenger Vessel Associationprioritizes improved ferry service, es- Employee BenefitsUSI Insurance Services Personal Risk pecially ahead of major events like theRetirement Consulting 601 Union StreetWorld Cup in summer 2026.Seattle, WA 98101 206.441.6300 | www.usi.com2023 USI Insurance Services. All rights reserved.57 MARCH 2025'