Ferry Electrification

Washington State Ferries (WSF) is beginning to transition to a hybrid electric ferry system, including building new ferries, converting ferries and electrifying the ferry terminals. Puget Sound Energy is working with WSF to provide additional electricity to 8 ferry terminals in our service area to fuel WSF’s electrified ferries, starting with the Bainbridge terminal. This ferry electrification will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and result in cleaner air in our region. In May 2023, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WSF. We are excited to partner on WSF’s ferry electrification and move to cleaner energy together.

Bainbridge ferry project overview

WSF plans to electrify their ferry system, starting with the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry route. The Bainbridge ferry run will be the first electrified run (along with Colman Dock on the Seattle side from Seattle City Light). This electricity will allow WSF to charge the ferries when they are docked at the respective terminals. For more information on WSF’s plans, please visit the WSF ferry electrification page.

To provide electricity for ferry charging, we will need to supply higher capacity electric service to the ferry terminal via our electric grid on Bainbridge Island. Currently, we anticipate building one to two underground distribution feeders from the Murden Cove Substation to the Bainbridge ferry terminal. We are early in the process and will provide more information about the construction plans and schedule as we work to meet WSF’s electrification goals.

We will continue to collaborate with WSF on their ferry electrification needs on Bainbridge Island and at other ferry terminals in our service area, as their work progresses. You can see a map of ferry terminal improvements and learn more about WSF’s System Electrification Plan on their website.

What does this mean for the system on Bainbridge Island?

WSF has selected a rate schedule that allows PSE to curtail their electric load during peak times. This means that on a cold winter’s morning when electric use is highest, PSE may decrease the power to supply the ferries to ensure electricity is available for our residential customers. If this were to happen, the ferries could continue operating on diesel power.