b'ferries.Withthisnewlaw,out-of- has secured $1.68 billion in funding. stateshipyardscansubmitbids,These new ferries will carry 160 vehi-(previouslyWSFferriesweretobecles and 1,500 passengers. built in-state), and WSF can issue up to two contracts at once. At least 10The team of naval architects, propul-shipyards have registered as interest- sion system experts and Washington ed parties to date. StateFerriessubjectmatterexperts designedtheferrytomeetthe Theelectrificationprogramisesti- uniquerequirementsofthePuget mated to cost $4 billion. So far, WSFSound routes.These boats are expected to support theMukilteo/ClintonandSeattle/Bremerton routes.WSF says that its current diesel vessels are among the states largest emitters of climate pollution, burning nearly 19 million gallons of diesel fuel each year.Hybrid-electricferrieshave beenindesignforoverayear,and shipbuildersacrossthecountryareDIGITAL SHIPBUILDERSinterestedinbuildingthesevessels. DESIGN. BUILD. CONSULT.The five new ferries will save approx- incatcrowther.comimately 240 million gallons of diesel over their 60-year lifespan. Emissions willbereducedfromthecurrent 180,000 metric tons to 45,000 metric tons annually systemwide.In May 2023, the Washington legisla-ture passed a bill allowing for a faster andmorecompetitiveprocurement processforthefivehybrid-electric YANKEE FREEDOM IV34m Catamaran Passenger Ferry39 JUNE 2024'