Electrification, overhead loading planned for Clinton ferry terminal

Changes are in store over the next few years.

By Kira Erickson • February 4, 2025 1:30 am

New hybrid-electric vessels will run on diesel fuel until charging infrastructure is constructed at the terminals, according to Washington State Ferries.

A recent presentation at a Clinton Community Council meeting detailed the agency’s plans for ferry electrification, which include electrifying 16 terminals, converting six existing vessels and building 16 new vessels.

For the Mukilteo-Clinton route, this means that electrification efforts are currently in the pre-design study phase, with environmental and permitting and design taking place later this year and into 2026. Construction is slated to begin in 2027 or 2028, with the goal of being operational in 2029. An initial cost estimate for the project is still being finalized.

Meanwhile, five new hybrid-electric boats are also in the pipeline, with bids expected this April. At least one of the ferries has been designated for the Mukilteo-Clinton route, though the plan is to eventually get two running. Whidbey Island’s own Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has expressed interest in submitting a bid.

The Clinton terminal was chosen for electrification, rather than Mukilteo, based on availability and feasibility of incorporating charging infrastructure, Dana Warr, a spokesperson for State Ferries, said.

“The new hybrid-electric 160-auto capacity ferries that will serve routes like Clinton will have over 15 megawatt-hours of batteries – equivalent to 230 Chevy Bolts,” Warr said. “They will connect to a charging arm located at the terminal and be fully charged during the typical 20-minute dwell time between scheduled terminal stops.”

State Ferries is partnering with Puget Sound Energy, which will supply electricity for the project. In the Clinton Community Council presentation, a draft of a graphic was shown of a vessel charging station platform out in the water.

Overhead loading for walk-on passengers is also in the works for the Clinton terminal, happening on a similar timeline as electrification efforts. The project will be advertised to prospective builders in 2028, with construction beginning in summer 2029. However, the exact timing depends on funding, and this particular project is not yet fully funded.