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Ferry Replacement Project

Public Works | Ferry Division

Press Releases

Recent Public Meetings

Reports Archive

Project History

The Guemes Island ferry, M/V Guemes, was put into service in 1979 and operates 365 days a year, transporting roughly 200,000 vehicles and 400,000 passengers annually. In 2013, the Skagit County Commissioners requested a ferry replacement study to evaluate the best next steps for M/V Guemes as annual maintenance costs were steadily increasing, surpassing yearly ferry revenue funds, and requiring substantial subsidies from the County Road Fund to continue operations.

The study looked at the existing cost of operation then formulated replacement scenarios to determine the most economic replacement option. The conclusion was that immediate or near-term replacement of the vessel will minimize the overall cost of ownership and provide environmental improvements in vessel operation.

In 2016, Skagit County Public Works commissioned a propulsion and power study to evaluate the feasibility of an all-electric battery powered ferry for the replacement of the M/V Guemes. 

The report concluded that, given the specific route and environmental factors, an all-electric propulsion system would be feasible and should be considered for the replacement vessel.

In 2017, following a competitive solicitation, the County selected Glosten for the design of a replacement vessel for the Anacortes/Guemes Island route. At that time, the county’s vision was to develop a zero-emission alternative for the new vehicle and passenger ferry. Glosten’s initial tasks produced the following deliverables:

  • Transportation System Assessment
  • Vessel Capacity Study
  • Concept Design Report

Between 2017 and 2023, Skagit County applied for and received $26M in state and federal funding for the project, with an additional $10M in stated funding slated for 2024. The team also completed concept and preliminary design packages for the ferry, shoreside charging infrastructure, and terminal improvements. At the end of 2023, it was estimated the entire project cost would be approximately $45M.

In November 2023, Skagit County released a request for bids to construct an all-electric ferry vessel to replace the M/V Guemes. Both eligible bids were ultimately rejected because they exceeded the available budget.

In 2024, an initiative was brought forward to the voters to repeal the Climate Commitment Act, a source of funding that included an additional $10M for the county. The repeal of the Climate Commitment Act may have additionally jeopardized $14M in transportation funding the County had previously received through the Move Ahead Washington bill. While the County waited to see the results of the repeal initiative, the Public Works division continued to work on the shoreline permit for the project until the result of the November vote was known.

The Climate Commitment Act was not repealed, and in 2025, Skagit County obligated $548,681 in Move Ahead Washington funding to competitively solicit a consultant to conduct value engineering (VE) for the project. This study, which will include a risk assessment, will evaluate the current design and bid package for the all-electric ferry vessel, and possible options for reducing costs of a new build.

Technical Advisory Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Electric Ferry Design

Ferry Replacement Press Releases

September 10, 2025
Skagit County Creates Temporary Technical Advisory Group to Evaluate Guemes Ferry Replacement Options
The Skagit Board of County Commissioners (Board) is convening a temporary technical advisory group (TAG) to evaluate and recommend options for replacement of the Guemes Island ferry.

February 25, 2025
Update on Guemes Island Ferry Replacement Project
The Skagit County Commissioners remain committed to building an all-electric ferry for Guemes Island. The Skagit County Commissioners have directed staff to re-evaluate the design of the electric ferry to find areas where costs could be reduced to meet our available funding. The cost estimates for the electric ferry, including shoreside electrical and terminal improvements, along with details of our funding package are available below.

Guemes Island Ferry Replacement Cost Estimates

February 1, 2024
Skagit County Rejects Bids for Construction of Guemes Island Electric Ferry
On Monday, January 22, 2024, the Skagit Board of County Commissioners voted to reject all submitted bids for construction of the Guemes Island electric ferry.

December 20, 2023
Skagit County Opens Bids for Construction of Guemes Island Electric Ferry
The bid will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

Latest Ferry Replacement Presentations

  • Neighborhood Meeting - Guemes Ferry Improvement Project 11/14/23 Video | Presentation
  • July 19, 2022, Board of County Commissioners Contract Design Update: Video | Presentation

Vessel Replacement Report Archive

In 2023, after determining the M/V Guemes has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced, the County Commissioners has implemented a County vessel replacement surcharge of $1.00 per adult passenger fare sold, $0.50 per senior/youth/disabled passenger fare sold, $1.00 per motorcycle fare sold, $2.00 per vehicle fare sold and $5.00 per oversize vehicle fare sold. 

  • Resolution #R20210241 Designating Selection of the Electrical Systems Integrator (ESI) for Guemes Island Ferry Replacement Project
  • Resolution #R20210135 Approving Request for Proposals for the Selection of the Electrical Systems Integrator for Guemes Island Ferry Replacement Project

Contact Us

1800 Continental Place,
Suite 100
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 416-1300

commissioners@
skagitcountywa.gov