Back to Blog

The Future is Electric – Even for the Ferries!

As Washington State Ferries outlines its future – they’re including electrification of the ferry as early as 2021. Check out the WSF long range plan.

 

OPALCO is excited to work with Washington State Ferries as our mutual vision for an electric ferry fleet takes shape. We’re preparing to provide charging stations at ferry landings to keep the fleet at full speed – and designing our first energy storage battery system to help offset the load.

 

The electrification of the ferries is not only good for our carbon footprint but the quieter vessels will be good for local wildlife especially the resident Orca Whales.

 

Stay tuned as this project develops.

 

Here is another interesting article from the National Resource Defense Council about the ferry electrification: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/future-seattles-ferries-electric.

You may also like...

Photo of people having a meeting around a board room table.

OPALCO Candidates Announced

VOTE IN OPALCO’S ELECTION! VOTERS ELIGIBLE TO WIN PRIZES! The 2026 OPALCO election opens March 18th! To allow members to meet each candidate and hear about their vision for the … Read more
lightbulbs

EGC Announces OPALCO Board Candidates

Nominations by Petition Due March 2 The volunteer member Elections & Governance Committee (EGC) has completed their nominations process and selected a slate of candidates for the 2026 OPALCO Board … Read more
Brian Silverstein, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative board member and former Bonneville Power Administration senior vice president of transmission, holds a copy of a newly signed BPA contract.

Securing Power for the Islands

OPALCO signs a new contract with Bonneville Power Administration Orcas Power & Light Cooperative recently joined 130 other Northwest public utilities in signing new 16-year electric power contracts with Bonneville … Read more