101 Wenatchee will be WSF’s first plug-in ferry when it re-enters service after being converted to hybrid-electric propulsion at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle, Washington Photo: credit enabled a faster and more competitive procurement process. “We are grateful for the support of the governor’s office and the legislature in passing EHB 1846 in 2023, which provides the tools required to acquire the ferries that we need so badly,” says Nevey. “This bill allows for a faster and more competitive process to select shipbuilders, including a nationwide invitation for bid and the potential for WSF to issue up to two contracts at once. These contracting laws only apply to the construction of new hybrid-electric vessels. We believe we have strong competition. More than 10 shipyards around the country have expressed interest. This will help us get the best value for our tax dollars.” In addition to meeting its sustainability and electrification goals, WSF aims to be the ferry system of the future. “We must become an employer of choice,” says Nevey. “To meet our staffing demands on the vessels, in the terminals, in the maintenance team, and throughout the organisation we must prioritise recruitment, training and retention of our invaluable staff.” For WSF, success depends on its ability to recruit, train and retain staff and preserve and build vessels to reach the required 26 ferries to fully operate the system. Currently WSF has staffing and availability for 15 vessels. “We will support and implement strategic principles to ensure that our culture promotes a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment for all employees and community partners,” says Nevey. “Some examples of initiatives aimed at building our workforce of the future include internal development programmes, external scholarship opportunities, educational collaborations, community engagement and job fairs and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.”
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