OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Governor Bob Ferguson has outlined his plan for the future of the state’s ferry system.

In a press conference on Thursday, Gov. Ferguson announced that a plan to convert larger ferries into hybrid-electric vessels will be delayed. He said that ferry riders have been inconvenienced by reduced sailings and various maintenance issues. Hybrid-electric ferry conversion can take nearly two years to complete for larger vessels.

Gov. Ferguson is aiming to bring the Washington state’s fleet back to pre-pandemic operating capacity, with at least 18 boats on the water by this summer.

Putting aside plans for at least two more conversions will allow for fewer inconveniences during major upcoming events.

Ferguson says they’ll resume hybrid-electric conversions following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.