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Washington State Ferries System Electrification Program

Location Seattle, Washington

Client Washington State Department of Transportation

Services Program Management, Project Management

Project Value $4 Billion

As the leader of a large General Engineering Consultant (GEC) team, Hill is providing program management services to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Washington State Ferries (WSF) division for the organization’s ambitious System Electrification Program (SEP). The SEP encompasses the electrification and modernization of WSF’s entire system, currently comprising 21 auto/passenger ferries serving 20 terminals on 10 routes in Washington’s Puget Sound and adjacent waters. Every year, WSF vessels ferry more than 19 million riders, but emit 145,000 metric tons of carbon. This represents approximately 72% of WSDOT’s annual emissions. By electrifying and modernizing the ferry system, WSF aims to improve service reliability, slash carbon output, contribute to a more sustainable state transit system, boost the state’s economy, deliver better health for Washingtonians, and combat climate change.

The SEP includes the conversion of 6 existing vessels to hybrid-electric power, the procurement of 16 brand-new hybrid-electric vessels, the complete electrification of 16 terminals, and comprehensive workforce training to facilitate the operation of a 100% emission-free, reliable ferry fleet. WSF’s program is the largest marine electrification effort underway in the world today.

To deliver WSF’s vision for a greener, modernized ferry system, Hill is closely integrated with WSF and is managing the GEC team comprised of 28 specialized firms. This high-performing team provides comprehensive services, including program management, terminal/electrical engineering, marine/vessel engineering, environmental engineering, risk management, construction management, program controls, cost engineering and control, schedule management, document management, risk management, contract management, quality management, communication management, and environmental and permitting support services throughout the SEP to promote efficiency and adherence to WSF’s requirements.

Hill’s program approach involves cultivating a seamless partnership between WSF and the GEC that is based on expertise and trust. At the commencement of the program, the Hill team participated in a variety of partnering activities, including a kickoff meeting, the development of a core principles document, conducting a client expectations survey, and the implementation of a “zippered” approach, which involves pairing up counterpart staff from WSF and the GEC. Hill implemented contract management measures to boost efficiency and foster the culture of partnership for the program’s duration. These efforts are facilitating collaboration, transparency, and communications throughout the program delivery organization as it progresses through key milestones and adapts to evolving complexities.