Washington State Ferries goes to Florida

Washington's current and previous governors, Bob Ferguson and Jay Inslee, aboard WSF's Wenatchee earlier this month. Office of Gov. Bob Ferguson photo.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The decision has been made: Washington State Ferries is going to Florida for new boats.

Earlier this month, Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City was selected over Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Wash., in a bidding competition. This will be the first time in about 50 years that an out-of-state yard will build new vessels for the state-run ferry service.

The decision is a huge disappointment for NBBB, which had been lobbying for at least a split decision: two boats for Florida, two boats for Washington. But no, not only does Florida get the work, we Salish Sea ferry riders now only get three new boats.

WTF?

Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat https://www.workboat.com/washington-state-ferries-goes-to-florida?