View source for Washington State Ferries

{{Short description|Public ferry service in Washington, US}}
{{About|the ferry system operated on Puget Sound by the state of Washington|ferry systems in Washington state operated by other entities|Ferries in Washington (state)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox water transit
| name            = Washington State Ferries
| logo            = Washington State Ferries logo.svg
| logo_size       = 175px
| image           = MV Tacoma at Colman Dock, 2024.jpg
| image_size      = 
| caption         = {{MV|Tacoma}} at [[Colman Dock]] in [[Downtown Seattle]]
| locale          = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
| waterway        = [[Puget Sound]], [[Salish Sea]]
| transit_type    = [[Ferry]]
| began_operation = {{start date|1951|06|01}}
| ended_operation = 
| system_length   = {{convert|185.20|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="FTA-Database"/>
| lines           = 10
| vessels         = 21
| terminals       = 20
| ridership       = {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Washington State Ferries total daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| yearly_ridership = 19,148,681 (2024)<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/>
| operator        = Washington State Department of Transportation
| owner           = [[Washington State Department of Transportation]]
| website         = {{URL|https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries}}
}}

'''Washington State Ferries''' ('''WSF''') is a public [[ferry]] system in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. A division of the [[Washington State Department of Transportation]] (WSDOT), it operates 10 routes serving 20 terminals within [[Puget Sound]] and in the [[San Juan Islands]]. The routes are designated as part of the [[State highways in Washington|state highway system]]. WSF maintains a fleet of 21 vessels that are able to carry passengers and vehicles.

The ferry system carried a total of 19.15{{nbsp}}million riders in 2024—10.08{{nbsp}}million passengers and 9.07{{nbsp}}million vehicles.<ref name="WSF-Ridership">{{cite web |date=January 5, 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries Traffic Statistics; Traffic Statistics Rider Segment report; Jan 1, 2024 thru Dec 31, 2024 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/WashingtonStateFerries-TrafficStatistics-2024Annual.pdf |publisher=[[Washington State Department of Transportation ]]|access-date=July 17, 2025}}</ref> WSF is the largest ferry system in the United States and the second-largest vehicular ferry system in the world behind [[BC Ferries]].<ref name="WSF-Facts">{{cite web |date=January 2023 |title=Washington State Ferries: System facts |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/WSF-FactSheet-January2023.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref> The state ferries carried an average of {{American transit ridership|WA Seattle Washington State Ferries total daily}} per weekday in {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.{{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}

==History==

The ferry system has its origins in the "[[Puget Sound mosquito fleet|mosquito fleet]]", a collection of small steamer lines serving the Puget Sound area during the later part of the nineteenth century and early part of the 20th century. By the beginning of the 1930s, two lines remained: the Puget Sound Navigation Company (known as the [[Puget Sound Navigation Company|Black Ball Line]]) and the [[Kitsap County Transportation Company]]. A [[strike action|strike]] in 1935 caused the KCTC to close, leaving only the Black Ball Line.<ref name="History">[http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/your_wsf/index.cfm?fuseaction=our_history History of Washington State Ferry system] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012062424/http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/yourwsf/ |date=October 12, 2012 }}, wsdot.wa.gov, retrieved March 15, 2008</ref>

Toward the end of the 1940s, the Black Ball Line sought to increase its fares by 30{{nbsp}}percent to compensate for increased wage demands from the ferry workers' [[trade union|unions]], which had agreed to a voluntary freeze in increases during [[World War II]]. After the state government rejected the fare hike, the company shut down service for nine days in protest.<ref name="Skagit2009">{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Elaine |date=February 3, 2009 |title=A Ferry Tale: History threatens to repeat itself in threat to Sidney run |url=https://www.goskagit.com/news/specialreports/a-ferry-tale-history-threatens-to-repeat-itself-in-threat-to-sidney-run/article_df663f74-a209-5b35-854b-91f0321e195e.html |work=[[Skagit Valley Herald]] |url-access=limited |accessdate=March 23, 2025}}</ref> In 1951, the state bought nearly all of Black Ball's ferry assets for $5{{nbsp}}million (Black Ball retained five vessels of its fleet). Washington State Ferries began operation on June 1, 1951.<ref>[http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=5081 Washington State Ferries begins operations on June 1, 1951], HistoryLink.org, retrieved March 15, 2008</ref> The state government intended to run ferry service only until cross-sound bridges could be built, but these were never approved and left the ferries as the only means of crossing for vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McDermott |first1=Kara |last2=Black |first2=Dominic |date=February 18, 2014 |title=Washington State Ferries: Born From A Rates War |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-state-ferries-born-rates-war/ |publisher=[[KUOW (FM)|KUOW]] |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref>

The new system was operated by the [[Washington State Toll Bridge Authority]], which ordered ten new vessels that could carry 60 to 100 vehicles. A set of [[revenue bond]]s were also issued to purchase the 16 vessels and 20 terminals of the Puget Sound Navigational Company for a total of $4.94{{nbsp}}million. The ten initial routes were reduced to eight by the end of the year.<ref name="History-1981">{{cite web |author=Legislative Transportation Committee |date=July 14, 1981 |title=Historical overview of the Washington State Ferry System |pages=3–6 |publisher=Washington State Legislature |url=https://cdm16977.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16977coll13/id/2217/rec/1 |via=WSDOT Library Digital Collections |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref> A route between [[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]] and [[Keystone, Island County, Washington|Keystone]] on [[Whidbey Island]] was launched in June 1974 to replace a privately-run service that had lost its franchise.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 7, 1974 |title=Keystone ferry run launched |page=A2 |work=[[The Everett Herald]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-keystone-ferry-run-laun/142787110/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=March 5, 2024}}</ref> The Toll Bridge Authority was dissolved and replaced by the consolidated [[Washington State Department of Transportation]] (WSDOT) on September 21, 1977.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2004 |title=Guide to the Records of the Washington Toll Bridge Authority |page=8 |url=https://www.sos.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/Washington-Toll-Bridge-Authority-1937-1977.pdf |publisher=[[Washington State Archives]] |accessdate=February 16, 2025}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Washington (state)|COVID-19 pandemic]], WSF reduced service on most routes and suspended trips to Sidney on the [[Anacortes–San Juan Islands ferry|Anacortes–San Juan Islands route]]. The loss of workers who retired, transferred, or were fired during the pandemic caused delays and trip cancellations as service and ridership began to recover in 2021 and 2022, while vessel replacement also ran behind schedule.<ref>{{cite news |last=Saldanha |first=Alison |date=August 24, 2022 |title=WA ferry delays hit highest mark in past decade |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-delays-hit-highest-mark-in-past-decade/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}</ref> By early 2023, full levels of service were restored on four routes but remained limited across much of the system; the Sidney route is not expected to re-enter service until 2030.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=March 1, 2023 |title=WA ferries restores service to some routes, delays others |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferries-restores-service-to-some-routes-delays-others/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 1, 2023}}</ref> Staffing issues, particularly among ship captains and mates, continued to prevent the full restoration of service on the Seattle–Bremerton and Fauntleroy–Vashon–Southworth routes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Matthew |date=June 8, 2023 |title=WA State Ferries charts new course amid aging fleet, staffing shortages, pandemic woes |url=https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/wa-state-ferries-charts-new-course-amid-aging-fleet-staffing-shortages-pandemic-woes |publisher=[[KCPQ|Fox 13 News]] |accessdate=June 12, 2023}}</ref> As mitigation for the delay in restoring the Seattle–Bremerton run's second vessel, WSF funded additional trips on the parallel [[Kitsap Fast Ferries]] that serves both terminals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=June 20, 2023 |title=WA ferry service on several routes won't return to normal this year |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-service-on-several-routes-wont-return-to-normal-this-year/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 21, 2023}}</ref> The second vessel on the Seattle–Bremerton route was restored in June 2025, followed a month later by weekend trips on the Port Townsend–Coupeville route to bring the system to its pre-pandemic domestic schedule.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=June 12, 2025 |title=Ferry system begins returning to prepandemic levels, starting Sunday |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ferry-system-begins-returning-to-pre-pandemic-levels-starting-sunday/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 24, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=July 2, 2025 |title=400,000 ferry passengers expected July 4 weekend with added boat |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/400000-ferry-passengers-expected-july-4-including-on-this-new-run/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 2, 2025}}</ref>

==Routes==
[[File:Washington Ferries map.svg|thumb|right|A map showing the routes operated by Washington State Ferries (in red) in comparison with [[state highways in Washington|Washington State highways]] (in yellow) and freeways, including Washington State and [[Interstate Highway System|Interstate]] highways (in blue)]]

WSF has 10 routes that serve 20 terminals in [[Puget Sound]] and the [[Salish Sea]] in [[Western Washington]].<ref name="WSF-Facts"/> The network spans {{convert|185.20|mi|km}} and serves an estimated population of 3.9{{nbsp}}million residents across an area of {{convert|1,945|sqmi|sqkm}}.<ref name="FTA-Database"/> The busiest route is the [[Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry]], which carried 4.9{{nbsp}}million total riders in 2024; the [[Mukilteo–Clinton ferry]] carried 2.1{{nbsp}}million total vehicles in 2024, the most of any route.<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=January 20, 2025 |title=Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/ferry-system-increases-ridership-by-a-half-million-in-2024/ |work=[[The Everett Herald]] |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Route name
! colspan="4" |Terminals
! [[List of state highways in Washington|State route<br/>designation]]<ref name="State Routes Map">{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |accessdate=February 22, 2024}}</ref>
! Annual<br/>ridership<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/>
! Annual vehicles<br/>carried<ref name="WSF-Ridership"/>
! Notes
|-
|[[Anacortes–San Juan Islands route|Anacortes–Sidney BC]] (Service suspended)
|[[Sidney, British Columbia]]
| colspan="2" |[[Friday Harbor, Washington|Friday Harbor]], [[San Juan Island]]
| rowspan="5" |[[Anacortes, Washington|Anacortes]]
| rowspan="1" |N/A<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 20, 2024|title=RCW 47.17.081 State route No. 20 north.|url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=47.17.081|website=Washington State Legislature}}</ref>
| align="center" | 0
| align="center" | 0
|
* Service suspended until 2030
* Only route that operated internationally
* Only route that is not part of state highway system (Friday Harbor-Sidney, BC segment)
|-
| rowspan="4" |[[Anacortes–San Juan Islands route|Anacortes–San Juan Islands]]
| colspan="3" |Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
| rowspan="5" |{{jct|state=WA|SR-Spur|20}}
| rowspan="5" align="center" | 1,919,272
| rowspan="5" align="center" | 920,865
| rowspan="4" |
* Reservations recommended
* Not all trips serve all island terminals.
|-
| colspan="3" |[[Lopez Island]]
|-
| colspan="3" |[[Shaw Island]]
|-
| colspan="3" |[[Orcas Island]]
|-
|[[Anacortes–San Juan Islands route|Inter island]]
|Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
|Orcas Island
|Shaw Island
|Lopez Island
|
|-
|Port Townsend–Coupeville
| colspan="3" |[[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]]
|[[Coupeville, Washington|Coupeville]], [[Whidbey Island]]
|{{jct|state=WA|SR|20}}
| align="center" | 694,636
| align="center" | 318,547
|
* Reservations recommended
|-
|Mukilteo–Clinton
| colspan="3" |[[Clinton, Washington|Clinton]], Whidbey Island
|[[Mukilteo, Washington|Mukilteo]]
|{{jct|state=WA|SR|525}}
| align="center" | 3,687,921
| align="center" | 2,082,705
|
|-
|[[Edmonds–Kingston ferry|Edmonds–Kingston]]
| colspan="3" |[[Kingston, Washington|Kingston]]
|[[Edmonds, Washington|Edmonds]]
|{{jct|state=WA|SR|104}}
| align="center" | 3,737,516
| align="center" | 1,906,862
|
|-
|[[Seattle–Bainbridge Island ferry|Seattle–Bainbridge Island]]
| colspan="3" |[[Winslow, Bainbridge Island, Washington|Winslow]], [[Bainbridge Island, Washington|Bainbridge Island]]
| rowspan="2" |[[Seattle]] ([[Colman Dock]])
|{{jct|state=WA|SR|305}}
| align="center" | 4,905,490
| align="center" | 1,594,309
|
|-
|[[Seattle–Bremerton ferry|Seattle–Bremerton]]
| colspan="3" |[[Bremerton, Washington|Bremerton]]
|{{jct|state=WA|SR|304}}
| align="center" | 990,435
| align="center" | 362,529
|
|-
|Fauntleroy–Vashon
| colspan="3" |[[Vashon, Washington|Vashon Island]]
|rowspan="2"|[[West Seattle, Seattle|West Seattle]] ([[Fauntleroy, Seattle|Fauntleroy]])
| rowspan="3" |{{jct|state=WA|SR|160}}
| rowspan="3"  align="center" | 2,261,933
| rowspan="3"  align="center" | 1,349,100
| rowspan="3" |
* All three services operated together as a "triangle route."
|-
|Fauntleroy–Southworth
| colspan="3" |[[Southworth, Washington|Southworth]]
|-
|Southworth–Vashon
| colspan="3" |Southworth
|Vashon Island
|-
|[[Point Defiance–Tahlequah ferry|Point Defiance–Tahlequah]]
| colspan="3" |[[Tahlequah, Washington|Tahlequah]], Vashon Island
|[[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] ([[Point Defiance Park|Point Defiance]])
|{{jct|state=WA|SR|163}}
| align="center" | 960,478
| align="center" | 537,408
|
|}

===Former routes===

*Agate Pass, replaced by the [[Agate Pass Bridge]] on October 7, 1950<ref name="ATR1960">{{cite web |year=1960 |title=Annual Traffic Report 1960 |pages=viii–ix |url=https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/mapsdata/travel/pdf/Annual_Traffic_Report_1960.pdf |publisher=Washington State Highway Commission |accessdate=March 25, 2022 |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530203249/https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/mapsdata/travel/pdf/Annual_Traffic_Report_1960.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Edmonds–Port Ludlow
*Port Gamble–Shine, replaced by South Point route on June 10, 1950<ref name="ATR1960" />
*Seattle–Suquamish, discontinued on October 1, 1951
*South Point–Lofall, replaced by [[Hood Canal Bridge]] in 1961
*Tacoma Narrows, replaced by [[Tacoma Narrows Bridge]] in 1940 but reinstated from 1940 to 1950<ref name="ATR1960" />

==Operations==

In 2023, Washington State Ferries had an operating budget of $338.2{{nbsp}}million and spent approximately $18.54 per passenger trip. The active ferries traveled a total of {{convert|755,025|mi|km}} in revenue service and carried a total of 18.2{{nbsp}}million unlinked passenger trips.<ref name="FTA-Database">{{cite web |date=September 2024 |title=2023 Annual Agency Profile – Washington State Ferries |url=https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2023/00035.pdf |work=National Transit Database |publisher=[[Federal Transit Administration]] |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref> The system has over 1,500 employees, but had had crew shortages in the early 2020s that have led to sailing cancellations and deferred maintenance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=November 22, 2021 |title=How to make Washington State Ferries shipshape again |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-to-make-washington-state-ferries-ship-shape-again/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 21, 2024}}</ref> Onboard food service, primarily through the ship galley and [[vending machine]]s, is operated by contractor [[Sodexo|Sodexo Live]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=April 9, 2022 |title=Beer and popcorn to return to WA ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/beer-and-popcorn-to-return-to-wa-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 21, 2024}}</ref>

The primary maintenance facility for the system is at [[Eagle Harbor (Washington)|Eagle Harbor]] on Bainbridge Island, just west of the city's ferry terminal. WSF built its Eagle Harbor facility in 1962 and uses it to also store unused or recently retired vessels.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gilmore |first=Susan |date=August 4, 2006 |title=Residents want ferry facility booted off Bainbridge Island |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060804/eagleharbor04m/residents-want-ferry-facility-booted-off-bainbridge-island |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=September 5, 2024 |title=Sale of retired WA ferries canceled after tow failure |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sale-of-retired-wa-ferries-canceled-after-tow-failure/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref> WSF also has other shops on Bainbridge Island, including in-house [[carpentry|carpenters]] that maintain and repair fixtures aboard ferries as well as at terminals, including windows, floors, and cables.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshias |first=Nicholas |date=August 17, 2025 |title=WA ferry woodworkers keep century-old Colman Clock ticking |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-ferry-woodworkers-keep-century-old-colman-clock-ticking/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 17, 2025}}</ref> Outside contractors also conduct maintenance and rehabilitation work on ferries, including those on [[Lake Union]] in Seattle that are accessed through the [[Lake Washington Ship Canal]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Baruchman |first=Michelle |date=July 29, 2019 |title=How do you fit a Washington state ferry through the Ballard Locks? Very carefully |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/how-do-you-fit-a-washington-state-ferry-through-the-ballard-locks-very-carefully/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 21, 2025}}</ref>

The agency allows [[wedding]]s and other celebrations to take place on board ferries with advance reservations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andrea |date=January 29, 2019 |title=Ever after: Get married — or buried — on a Washington ferry |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/ever-after-get-married-or-buried-on-a-washington-ferry/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=March 21, 2024}}</ref> The scattering of [[cremation|cremated remains]] at sea is performed board state ferries with permission from WSF, who charge a fee of $150 and require the use of a [[Biodegradation|biodegradable]] container or vessel. The ceremonies, scheduled outside of peak travel periods, take place during a temporary stop and are followed by an announcement and the sounding of the ferry's whistle. In 2024, a total of 190 memorials were performed aboard WSF vessels.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=August 3, 2025 |title=On a memorial WA ferry ride, ashes are sent to rest in Puget Sound |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/on-a-memorial-wa-ferry-ride-ashes-are-sent-to-rest-in-puget-sound/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=August 4, 2025}}</ref>

==Fleet==
[[File:MV Tacoma.jpg|right|thumb|Washington State Ferry ''[[MV Tacoma|Tacoma]]'']]
[[File:MV Hyak.jpg|right|thumb|The [[MV Hyak|''Hyak'']] in Rich Passage heading to Bremerton, WA]]
[[File:M-V Chimacum in Elliott Bay.jpg|thumb|The MV ''Chimacum'' arrives in Seattle for the first time with passengers on board, on May 24, 2017.]]
[[File:Washington State Ferries vessel MV Puyallup departing Seattle.jpg|thumb|MV ''Puyallup'' departing Seattle with the city skyline in the background.]]

{{As of|2020}}, there are 21 ferries in the WSF fleet that serve Puget Sound.<ref name="WSF Fleet">[https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/yourwsf/ourfleet/ Washington State Ferries – Our Fleet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016171844/https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/yourwsf/ourfleet/ |date=October 16, 2020 }}, Washington State Department of Transportation, Retrieved June 16, 2020</ref> The average age is 32.1{{nbsp}}years old.<ref name="FTA-Database"/> The largest vessels in this fleet carry up to 2500 passengers and 202 vehicles. They are painted in a distinctive white and green trim paint scheme, and feature double-ended open vehicle decks and bridges at each end so that they do not need to turn around.<ref name="FleetGuide">{{cite web |date=May 2020 |title=WSDOT Ferries Division Fleet Guide |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/WSF-FleetGuide-May2020.pdf |publisher=Washington State Ferries |accessdate=May 3, 2024}}</ref> Most of the ferries feature an outdoor deck with two "pickleforks" where passengers board and disembark the vessel.<ref>{{cite news |last=MicNichols |first=Joshua |date=May 31, 2024 |title=A sneak peek at Washington's planned hybrid electric ferries |url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/a-sneak-peak-at-washington-s-planned-hybrid-electric-ferries |accessdate=January 30, 2025 |publisher=KUOW}}</ref> After 50 years of state service, a ferry receives a commemorative gold stripe that is painted on the center [[funnel (ship)|stack]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Charnley Eveland |first=Anne |date=June 9, 2022 |title=The MV Spokane ferry celebrates its 50th year; the MV Walla Walla is next in 2023 |url=https://www.union-bulletin.com/local_columnists/etcetera/the-mv-spokane-ferry-celebrates-its-50th-year-the-mv-walla-walla-is-next-in/article_2703b46c-e6b7-11ec-9f76-2f233c96fb99.html |work=[[Walla Walla Union-Bulletin]] |accessdate=August 5, 2025}}</ref>

The fleet uses [[diesel fuel]] to power its engines and is the largest consumer of diesel fuel in the state government at 19{{nbsp}}million gallons used annually prior to 2020;<ref name="Times-Design2024">{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=June 4, 2024 |title=WA shows off new design for its ferries — now it needs a shipbuilder |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-shows-off-new-design-for-its-ferries-now-it-needs-a-shipbuilder/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=June 5, 2024}}</ref> WSF plans to electrify its fleet over 20 years. By 2040, it intends to build 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and convert six others to have hybrid propulsion. This will reduce carbon emissions by up 180,000 tons annually and save $19{{nbsp}}million per year in diesel fuel costs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2020|title=Washington State Ferries System Electrification Plan|url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021/01/13/WSF-SystemElectrificationPlan-December2020.pdf|publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=October 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017140952/https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021/01/13/WSF-SystemElectrificationPlan-December2020.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first vessel to undergo conversion to use hybrid-electric propulsion is {{MV|Wenatchee}}, which is expected to return to service in summer 2025.<ref>{{cite press release |date=September 19, 2024 |title=Wenatchee shipyard work continues, conversion to hybrid-electric propulsion progressing |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2024/wenatchee-shipyard-work-continues-conversion-hybrid-electric-propulsion-progressing |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=January 30, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=August 16, 2023 |title=Washington awards $150M contract to convert ferries to hybrid-electric power |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2023/08/16/wsf-will-pay-150-million-for-hybrid-election-ferry-conversions/70603378007/ |work=[[Kitsap Sun]] |accessdate=August 16, 2023}}</ref> The program was originally expected to begin in 2022 with a new boat constructed by [[Vigor Industrial]], but cost overruns and disagreements led to delays. Vigor had been the sole shipbuilder for Washington State Ferries since 1997.<ref name="Times-Ages">{{cite news |last=Kroman |first=David |date=August 20, 2023 |title=As Washington's ferry fleet ages, why aren't we building new boats? |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/as-washingtons-ferry-fleet-ages-why-arent-we-building-new-boats/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=September 7, 2023}}</ref> Further work on converting the existing fleet was delayed by Washington governor [[Bob Ferguson (politician)|Bob Ferguson]] in early 2025 in favor of restoring service on the routes. The next conversion is scheduled for after the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=March 6, 2025 |title=WA Gov. Ferguson delays conversion of ferries to electric power |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/wa-gov-ferguson-delays-conversion-of-ferries-to-electric-power/ |accessdate=July 7, 2025}}</ref>

In 2021, WSF released their plan to move to hybrid electric vessels by building a new 144-car [[Olympic-class ferry|''Olympic''-class]] ferry, which they initially scheduled to complete by 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ferry system electrification |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/major-projects/ferry-system-electrification |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123001256/https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/major-projects/ferry-system-electrification |archive-date=2021-11-23 |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |access-date=July 2, 2025}}</ref> The new vessel, named {{MV|Wishkah}}, was later delayed to 2027 and will require the installation of electrical connections at the Clinton ferry terminal on Whidbey Island.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=January 26, 2023 |title=What new federal money will mean for WA ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/what-new-federal-money-will-mean-for-wa-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 2, 2025}}</ref> An [[invitation for bids]] for three hybrid electric vessels was opened by WSF in May 2024 and sent to 15 interested companies.<ref name="Times-Design2024"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Banse |first=Tom |date=May 31, 2024 |title=State ferry system goes out to bid for new hybrid-electric vessels |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2024/05/31/washington-state-opens-bidding-process-for-hybrid-electric-ferries/73922332007/ |work=Kitsap Sun |access-date=July 2, 2025}}</ref> Three shipyards were qualified to bid, but WSF only received bids from two: [[Eastern Shipbuilding]] of [[Panama City, Florida]], and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of [[Freeland, Washington]]. Eastern's $714.5{{nbsp}}million bid to build three vessels was selected by the state government in July 2025 and will comprise the first WSF vessels built outside of Washington state in 50 years. The three vessels, planned to begin delivery as soon as 2029, will use a design based on the ''Olympic'' class and would have an electric propulsion system supplied by [[ABB]]. These ferries are planned to be {{convert|405|ft|m}} long with a capacity of 1,500 passengers and 164 vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |last=Deshais |first=Nicholas |date=July 1, 2025 |title=Ferguson selects Florida shipbuilder to build WA fleet of electric ferries |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/ferguson-selects-florida-shipbuilder-to-build-fleet-of-electric-ferries/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 2, 2025}}</ref>

{{As of|2023}}, 9 of the 21 active ferries maintained by Washington State Ferries are considered to be in good condition. Cancellation of sailings due to mechanical problems and urgent maintenance increased in the 2010s and 2020s.<ref name="Times-Ages"/>

The ferry fleet consists of the following vessels:<ref name="WSF Fleet" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Class !! Ferry name !! Year built !! Auto
capacity
! Passenger
capacity
! Speed !! Notes
|-
| [[Evergreen State class ferry|''Evergreen State'']] || {{MV|Tillikum}} || 1959 || 87 || 1,061 || {{convert|13|kn|lk=in|abbr=on}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Super Class ferry|''Super'']] || {{MV|Kaleetan}} || 1967 || 144 || 1,868 || {{convert|17|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Yakima}} || 1967 || 144 || 2,000 || {{convert|17|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Jumbo Class ferry|''Jumbo'']] || {{MV|Spokane}} || 1972 || 188 || 2,000 || {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Walla Walla}} || 1973 || 188 || 2,000 || {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| rowspan="6" | [[Issaquah-class ferry|''Issaquah'']] || {{MV|Issaquah}} || 1979 || 124 || 1,200 ||{{convert|16|kn|abbr=on}}
| Auto capacity increased in 1989.
|-
| {{MV|Kittitas}} || 1980 || 124 || 1,200 ||{{convert|16|kn|abbr=on}}
|  Auto capacity increased in 1990.
|-
| {{MV|Kitsap}} || 1980 || 124 || 1,200 ||{{convert|16|kn|abbr=on}}
|  Auto capacity increased in 1992.
|-
| {{MV|Cathlamet}} || 1981 || 124 || 1,200 ||{{convert|16|kn|abbr=on}}
|  Auto capacity increased in 1993.
|-
| {{MV|Chelan}} || 1981 || 124 || 1,200
1,090 International
|{{convert|16|kn|abbr=on}}
| Auto capacity increased in 2001.<br />Upgraded to meet [[SOLAS Convention|SOLAS]] safety standards for international service on Sidney, BC route in 2005.
|-
| {{MV|Sealth}} || 1982 || 90 || 1,200 || {{convert|16|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Jumbo Mark-II-class ferry|''Jumbo Mark II'']] || {{MV|Tacoma}} || 1997 || 202 || 2,500 || {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Wenatchee}} || 1998 || 202 || 2,500 || {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on}}|| Converted to hybrid-electric propulsion in 2025
|-
| {{MV|Puyallup}} || 1999 || 202 || 2,500 || {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Kwa-di Tabil class ferry|''Kwa-di Tabil'']] || {{MV|Chetzemoka}} || 2010 || 64 || 750 || {{convert|15|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Salish}} || 2011 || 64 || 750 || {{convert|15|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Kennewick}} || 2011 || 64 || 750 || {{convert|15|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| rowspan="4" | [[Olympic class ferry|''Olympic'']] || {{MV|Tokitae}} || 2014 || 144 || 1,500 || {{convert|17|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Samish}} || 2015 || 144 || 1,500 || {{convert|17|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Chimacum}} || 2017 || 144 || 1,500 || {{convert|17|kn|abbr=on}}||
|-
| {{MV|Suquamish}} || 2018 || 144 || 1,500 || {{convert|17|kn|abbr=on}}||
|}

==Retired vessels==
[[File:MV Illahee.jpg|thumb|{{MV|Illahee}} was one of the [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric class ferries]] which were retired in 2007.]]
[[File:Kalakala.jpg|thumb|{{MV|Kalakala}} was retired in 1967.]]

Since the beginning of state-run ferry service in 1951, WSF has retired many vessels as they have become older, too expensive to operate or maintain, or have become too small to provide adequate ferry service. WSF owned passenger-only vessels between 1985 and 2009, but after discontinuing its two passenger-only routes in the 2000s, WSF has sold its passenger-only ferries to other operators.

Below is a list of ferries that WSF has retired since 1951. Unless otherwise noted, all vessels introduced in 1951 were acquired from the [[Puget Sound Navigation Company]] (PSN), also known as the Black Ball Line, when the state took over the company's routes and ferryboats in Puget Sound.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:85%"
|+ '''Washington State Ferries retired fleet'''<ref name="WSF Retired Fleet">{{cite web|title=The Ghost Fleet of Washington State Ferries|url=http://www.evergreenfleet.com/retired.html|publisher=EvergreenFleet.com|access-date=November 5, 2012|archive-date=February 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206193831/http://www.evergreenfleet.com/retired.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
! Ferry name !! Class !! Year built (rebuilt) !! Year in service !! Year retired !! Auto capacity !! Passenger capacity !! Notes
|-
| {{MV|Chippewa }} || None || 1900 (1928/ 1932) || 1951 || 1964 || 52 || 950 || Converted to a car ferry in 1926
|-
| {{MV|Leschi }} || None || 1913 || 1951 || 1967 || 40 || 453 || Previously owned by King County and used on [[Lake Washington]]
|-
| {{SS|San Mateo }} || None || 1922 || 1951 || 1969 || 50 || 659 || Purchased by PSN in 1941
|-
| {{SS|Shasta }} || None || 1922 || 1951 || 1958 || 55 || 468 || Purchased by PSN in 1941
|-
| {{MV|Rosario }} || None || 1923 (1931) || 1951 || 1951 || 33 || 312 ||
|-
| {{MV|Kitsap|1925}} || Anderson || 1925 || 1951 || 1961 || 32 || 325 ||
|-
| {{MV|Crosline }} || None || 1925 (1947) || 1951 || 1967 || 30 || 300 || Purchased by the state in 1947
|-
| {{MV|Kehloken }} || Wood Electric || 1926 || 1951 || 1972 || 50 || 770 || Purchased by PSN in 1940
|-
| {{MV|Kalakala }} || None || 1926 (1935) || 1951 || 1967 || 110 || 1943 || Originally built as MV ''Peralta'' in 1926; rebuilt as Kalakala in 1935 using ''Peralta''{{'}}s hull
|-
| {{MV|Enetai }} || [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric]] || 1927 || 1951 || 1967 || 90 || 1500 || Purchased by PSN in 1940 and converted to a single-ended ferry
|-
| {{MV|Willapa }} || [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric]] || 1927 || 1951 || 1967 || 90 || 1500 || Purchased by PSN in 1940 and converted to a single-ended ferry
|-
| {{MV|Chetzemoka|1927}} || Wood Electric || 1927 || 1951 || 1973 || 50 || 400 || Purchased by PSN in 1938
|-
| {{MV|Quinault }} || [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric]] || 1927 (1958/ 1985) || 1951 || 2007 || 59 || 616 || Purchased by PSN in 1940
|-
| {{MV|Illahee }} || [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric]] || 1927 (1958/ 1986) || 1951 || 2007 || 59 || 616 || Purchased by PSN in 1940
|-
| {{MV|Nisqually }} || [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric]] || 1927 (1958/ 1987) || 1951 || 2007 || 59 || 616|| Purchased by PSN in 1940
|-
| {{MV|Klickitat }} || [[Steel Electric class ferry|Steel Electric]] || 1927 (1958/ 1981) || 1951 || 2007 || 64 || 412 || Purchased by PSN in 1940
|-
| {{MV|Klahanie }} || Wood Electric || 1928 || 1951 || 1972 || 50 || 601 || Purchased by PSN in 1940
|-
| {{MV|Skansonia }} || None || 1929 || 1951 || 1969 || 32 || 465 || Operated under a state contract since 1940 after the [[Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940)|Tacoma Narrows Bridge]] collapsed
|-
| {{MV|Vashon }} || Anderson || 1930 || 1951 || 1980 || 50 || 646 ||
|-
| {{MV|Olympic }} || None || 1938 || 1954 || 1993 || 55 || 605 || Purchased by WSF in 1954
|-
| {{MV|Rhododendron}} || None || 1947 (1990) || 1954 || 2012 || 48 ||546 || Purchased by WSF in 1954, sold to Atlantic Capes Fisheries in 2013
|-
| {{MV|Evergreen State}} || [[Evergreen State class ferry|Evergreen State]] || 1954 (1988) || 1954 || 2016 || 87 || 854 ||
|-
| {{MV|Kulshan }} || None || 1954 || 1970 || 1982 || 65 || 350 || Purchased by WSF in 1970, sold in 1982 and renamed {{MV|Governor}}
|-
| {{MV|Klahowya}} || [[Evergreen State class ferry|Evergreen State]] || 1958 (1995) || 1958 || 2017 || 87 || 792 ||
|-
| {{MV|Hyak}} || [[Super Class ferry|Super]] || 1966 || 1967 || 2019 || 144 || 2000 || Horn and engine order telegraph salvaged for use by the [[Seattle Kraken]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Ryan S.|title=Ferry horns and Nirvana: As Kraken open Climate Pledge Arena, here's what you can expect to hear|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2907835/2021/10/23/ferry-horns-and-nirvana-as-kraken-open-climate-pledge-arena-heres-what-you-can-expect-to-hear/|access-date=August 25, 2025|website=The Athletic|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Baker|first=Geoff|title=A Bigger Entry To Kraken In-Game Entertainment|url=https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-in-game-entertainment-climate-pledge-arena-ft|access-date=October 31, 2025|website=NHL.com|language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{MV|Hiyu}} || None || 1967 || 1967 || 2016 || 34 || 199 ||
|-
| {{MV|Elwha }} || [[Super Class ferry|Super]] || 1967 (1991) || 1968 || 2020 || 144 || 1069 || Upgraded to meet [[Safety of Life at Sea|SOLAS]] standards for [[Sidney, British Columbia|Sidney, BC]].
Sold to Everett Ship Repair, which plans to convert it into floating office and warehouse space.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2025 |title=Washington State Ferries sells the Elwha {{!}} WSDOT |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2025/washington-state-ferries-sells-elwha |access-date=January 31, 2025 |website=wsdot.wa.gov |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| {{MV|Tyee }} || None || 1985 || 1985 || 2003 || 0 || 250 || Operating as M/V ''Glacier Express'' in [[Kenai Fjords National Park]], Alaska as of 2013<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Evergreen Fleet|title=M/V ''Tyee''|url=http://www.evergreenfleet.com/tyee.html|access-date=June 28, 2013|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325173927/http://www.evergreenfleet.com/tyee.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Major Marine Tours|title=Our fleet of vessels|url=http://www.majormarine.com/guest-info/vessels/|access-date=June 28, 2013|archive-date=August 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805115644/http://majormarine.com/guest-info/vessels/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| {{MV|Kalama}} || [[Skagit Kalama class ferry|Skagit/Kalama]] || 1989 || 1989 || 2009 || 0 || 230 || Sold in 2011
|-
| {{MV|Skagit}} || [[Skagit Kalama class ferry|Skagit/Kalama]] || 1989 || 1989 || 2009 || 0 || 230 || Sold in 2011; capsized on July 18, 2012
|-
| {{MV|Chinook }} || [[Passenger-Only Fast Ferry class ferry|Passenger-Only Fast Ferry]] || 1998 || 1998 || 2008 || 0 || 350 || Sold to [[Golden Gate Ferry|Golden Gate Ferries]], renamed MV ''Golden Gate''
|-
| {{MV|Snohomish }} || [[Passenger-Only Fast Ferry class ferry|Passenger-Only Fast Ferry]] || 1999 || 1999 || 2008 || 0 || 350 || Sold to [[Golden Gate Ferry|Golden Gate Ferries]], renamed MV ''Napa''
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|Transport}}
{{div col}}
*[[Alaska Marine Highway]]
*[[BC Ferries]]
*[[Ferries in Washington (state)]]
*[[Inter-Island Ferry Authority]]
*[[Keller Ferry]]
*[[King County Water Taxi]]
*[[Kitsap Fast Ferries]]
{{div col end}}
{{-}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{official website|https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries}}
*[http://www.evergreenfleet.com/ Evergreenfleet.com – A History of Washington State Ferries Past and Present]
*[http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/vehiclereservations.htm Vehicle Reservation Predesign Study] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825092829/http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Planning/VehicleReservations.htm |date=August 25, 2017 }}

{{Washington State Ferries|state=collapsed}}
{{Puget Sound Transit}}

[[Category:Washington State Ferries| ]]
[[Category:Sound Transit]]
[[Category:Ferries of Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Ferry companies based in Washington (state)]]