Colin Grabow
Colin Grabow
Washington State Ferries (WSF) has certainly seen better days. With over 3,500 canceled sailings last year and just 15 of its 21 vessels reliably operating, a recent Seattle Times editorial described the ferry system as “in crisis” and characterized its fleet as “antiquated” and “depleted.” Such language is apt. With 11 of the system’s ferries at least 40 years old and WSF five short of the 26 vessels it considers ideal, new vessels are badly needed. Unfortunately, none are projected to arrive until 2028 at the earliest.
The ferry system’s troubles have become a topic of this year’s governor’s race, including criticism of the state’s decision to procure ferries powered by hybrid electric engines—a move some observers allege has complicated the acquisition process. At most, however, this is only a proximate cause of WSF’s ferry woes. Far more deserving of blame are protectionist maritime laws that prohibit the purchase of vessels from the international market. Such restrictions mean that WSF—in fact, all US ferry systems—must provide service with one hand tied behind their backs.
That Washington urgently needs to revamp its ferry fleet isn’t news. Five years ago, the state passed legislation allowing a contract extension with Seattle shipyard Vigor—which has built WSF’s last ten vessels—to build up to five more large ferries using hybrid electric technology. But negotiations with the shipyard then hit a snag. While Washington had pegged the cost of new ferries at $188 million each in 2018—an estimate that rose to $249 million in 2022—the price quoted by Vigor for the first such ferry was over $400 million.
Ouch.
Washington responded by rebidding the contract and changing its law so shipyards outside the state could compete to build the vessels. That, however, has meant delays in the acquisition process, mounting frustration among ferry users, and the ongoing exchange of barbs over the new propulsion system. » Read More
https://www.cato.org/blog/jones-act-exacerbates-us-ferry-system-struggles