Washington State Ferries intends to convert the state’s three largest ferries from diesel to hybrid electric propulsion systems, thanks to $35 million in funds acquired from the environmental mitigation settlement with Volkswagen earlier this month.
These vessels — Jumbo Mark II class ferries — currently account for 26 percent of the 18 million gallons of diesel the state’s ferry system burns each year. The reduction of diesel exhaust and carbon pollution caused by these vessels remains one of the priorities set by the Washington Department of Ecology for funds derived from the Volkswagen settlement, owing to the public health threat they represent.
“Converting the biggest, dirtiest ferries in the fleet is a huge milestone in our efforts to decarbonize the state and fulfill our obligation to help defeat climate change,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “In addition to reducing emissions, moving to an all-electric ferry fleet will save taxpayers money on ferry operating costs, virtually eliminate engine noise and vibration that can hurt orca whales, and improve reliability of service.”
Siemens will handle the propulsion system upgrade design, which begins this month. Planning and design will continue through next year, with construction following in 2021. The existing ferries have been in service since the 1990s. The Washington Department of Transportation expects their conversation will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 48,565 metric tons per year, along with 184.5 metric tons of nitrogen oxide per year.
“At WSDOT, we’re always looking for innovative solutions,” Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar said. “We are repurposing ferries in the middle of their service life, so they can continue serving Washingtonians for years to come in the most efficient, greenest way possible. This type of innovation and new technology will allow us to better serve our customers and manage growth.”
The ferry conversation represents the first step for the state toward its meeting system-wide emission reduction goals, as well as the recommendations set under Washington State Ferries’ 2040 Long Range Plan earlier this year.