Electric ferry conversion slowed to restore service by summer
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com.
Gov. Bob Ferguson has announced that the conversion of two of Washington State Ferries' largest vessels to hybrid-electric power will be postponed until after the 2026 World Cup.
Seattle is set to host matches starting in mid-June 2026, and the conversion project will resume once the event is over.
Ferguson explained that the delay is part of a larger strategy to fully restore ferry service by this summer. Converting the ferries would require them to be out of service for an extended period, disrupting service.
The Wenatchee, the first ferry scheduled for conversion, would have been unavailable for at least 22 months if the work had been completed by this summer. The hybrid-electric transition aligns with former Gov. Jay Inslee and the Washington Legislature, as part of WSF's Long Range Plan.
More from MyNorthwest: Should we worry about recent Washington earthquakes? Expert explains
Washington ferries back in action
In the meantime, Washington State Ferries says it will keep vessels in operation, ensuring 18 ferries are running this summer—the highest number since 2019. To provide full domestic service, WSF needs 21 vessels, with 18 in service at any given time, according to the governor's office.
WSF has faced challenges with aging vessels, mechanical breakdowns, and staff shortages, leading to canceled sailings and unreliable service.
The first two hybrid-electric ferries are now expected to begin service in 2028, with three additional ferries to follow by 2030, as outlined in WSF's project overview.
More from MyNorthwest: MOPOP debuts newest exhibition 'Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Italy appoint Gennaro Gattuso as new manager
The Italy National Team have replaced Luciano Spalletti with Gennaro Gattuso as the new manager. An update from Fabrizio Romano confirmed the managerial agreement between Gennaro Gattuso and the Italian National Team representatives. The former World Cup champion with the Azzurri is set to be appointed at the helm of the side to lead them at the next biggest tournament in football. Advertisement Spalletti became certain of his departure during the World Cup qualifiers, and he was practically out of the team when Italy played against Moldova. A statement by Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon verified the reports as he said, 'Gattuso has become the new Italy coach, we made the best possible decision.' Gattuso was a key player of the 2006 Italy National Team, which won the World Cup in Germany under manager Marcello Lippi. He formed an impeccable partnership with Andrea Pirlo in the midfield, and it was crucial to earn the Azzurri their fourth star on their crest. Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN
Fox Sports
5 hours ago
- Fox Sports
An Argentine named Ustari, not Messi, shines for Inter Miami and earns MVP in first CWC game
Associated Press MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — An Argentine not named Messi was the MVP for Inter Miami in the Club World Cup on Saturday night. The hero in the tournament opener was goaltender Oscar Ustari. Ustari made eight saves, including a penalty and goal-line intervention, as Miami played Egypt's Al Ahly to a scoreless draw in the Group A tournament opener. Ustari's save of a header in the 33rd minute was second only to stopping Trezeguet's penalty just before halftime and making sure danger was averted when the ball bounced back to Al Ahly's forward. The 38-year-old Ustari returned to a World Cup stage in this new Club World Cup format for the first time since winning the U-20 World Cup in 2005 — with none other than Messi, Inter Miami's captain. Before joining Inter Miami, Ustari was captain of C.F. Pachuca, also in the tournament, but faced controversy because Grupo Pachuca also owns Club León, which was removed by FIFA and had its appeal rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ustari made 124 appearances with the "Tuzos" before playing briefly for Audax Italiano in the first division of Chile. He was signed as a free agent in September 2024 by Inter Miami. He has played 22 games, including eight in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. What Ustari said 'I don't like to talk about myself. The team did a great job defensively and that is what I most care about.' 'I remember being retired and knew that my return would come on a field, so I'm very happy about it (being back).' 'I thought we were superior, that's what I think. The game left me with good feelings, but our next rival is very different.' What Suarez said 'We didn't think their keeper would make so many saves, he was the key player in the game along with Oscar in the first half, but that shows that goalkeepers can earn you points as well.' — Luis Suarez, Inter Miami forward. ___ AP soccer: recommended in this topic
USA Today
6 hours ago
- USA Today
USMNT coach says players can't dictate plan after Christian Pulisic skips Gold Cup
USMNT coach says players can't dictate plan after Christian Pulisic skips Gold Cup Show Caption Hide Caption Weston McKennie discusses the state of the USMNT ahead of World Cup Soccer standout Weston McKennie discusses the state of the USMNT and how Mauricio Pochettino is getting the squad ready ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Sports Seriously Players cannot pick and choose which games they will be available for, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said after forward Christian Pulisic skipped the Concacaf Gold Cup but offered to play in a pair of friendlies. Pulisic, who played 50 games for AC Milan in the recently concluded season, said he would miss the Gold Cup to rest and recover, with former U.S. stalwarts Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas among those who criticized the decision. In an interview with the CBS Sports podcast on June 12, Pulisic said he had asked to play in friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, but was not involved in those matches because Pochettino wanted a consistent squad heading into the Gold Cup. The AC Milan winger said he understood the head coach's decision, while adding that those questioning his commitment to the national team were "way out of line." Asked about Pulisic's comments, Pochettino told reporters on Saturday: "Players (do) not need to understand or not understand. Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan. "Because if not, OK, we invert — we swap the position (coach and player), no ? That is obvious. The most important thing is that we explain why we decided not to include (him) in the two friendly games. "And then if you have some problems, no, that is not my problem to understand... I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin." The U.S. suffered defeats in both of their friendly matches, losing 2-1 to Turkey and 4-0 at home against Switzerland. They will look to snap a four-game losing run when they begin their Gold Cup campaign with a match against Trinidad and Tobago in San Jose, California, later on Sunday, June 15. The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
