The Wenatchee, one of the system’s largest vessels, has completed its long-delayed hybrid-electric conversion and is undergoing final sea trials.


||| FROM KING-TV SEATTLE |||


SEATTLE — Washington State Ferries announced Thursday the state is on track to restore full domestic service for the first time since 2019, thanks to the return of the Wenatchee ferry and the addition of vessels on key routes.

The Wenatchee, one of the system’s largest vessels, has completed its long-delayed hybrid-electric conversion and is undergoing final sea trials. Officials expect the ferry to return to service in the first week of July.

The move brings the state’s fleet to 21 vessels, allowing 18 to be in the water at any given time while three undergo routine maintenance.

“This is certainly a milestone,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “It gets us back to pre-pandemic levels and restores full domestic service.”

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