M/V Wenatchee, a Jumbo Mark-II class ferry that is the largest in the Washington State Ferries fleet, returned to full-time service July 24 on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island route as the agency’s first hybrid-electric vessel.

Wenatchee’s hybrid-electric operations are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. Once WSF completes terminal charging capabilities, Wenatchee will primarily operate using electric power. This will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95% compared to before the upgrades, agency spokesperson Dana Warr said.

Two new battery rooms were outfitted with 864 battery modules, and new propulsion controls and thousands of feet of electric and fiber optic cable were installed, Warr said. Additionally, the vessel was deep-cleaned, received a fresh coat of paint on much of the exterior, and some vinyl was replaced on several seats.

“These are components of the propulsion system that propel the ferry through the water and control its speed, direction and stopping power,” Warr said. With this, passengers may notice that the rebuilt Wenatchee has less time out of service for unscheduled maintenance and repair.”

Since its return to service, Wenatchee’s total ridership has been 19,758 passengers as of July 23, Warr said.

“Passengers should feel safe on the Wenatchee under new power and hybrid-electric technology. The system is built to withstand internal fires without spreading. Battery rooms have water mist fire suppression systems,” he said. “No flammable materials are placed under battery modules. Cooling systems and gas-tight exhausts ensure safe venting. Our crew is trained and tested to prevent and respond to incidents.”

The average age of WSF vessels is more than 34 years, with five vessels older than 60 years. In the future, WSF plans to build 16 new vessels and upgrade six vessels by 2040, Warr said. WSF plans to announce a contract for future terminal electrification work in the near future.