WSDOT Opens Bids for Car Ferries

WSDOT Ferries Division took the next step today in the process to build new ferries for the Port Townsend/Keystone route.

WSDOT opened bids on Nov. 13, on a contract to construct up to two new 64-car vessels based on the Island Home design. The formal bid opening was held at 11:00 a.m at Ferries Division headquarters in Seattle. WSDOT received one bid from Todd Pacific Shipyards.

Bids were solicited for construction and delivery of one or two 64-auto ferries. Todd’s proposed bid price is $124,450,559 for two vessels and $65,487,328 for one vessel. The WSDOT engineer’s estimate is $95,943,865 for two vessels and $49,452,894 for one vessel.

“While I appreciate Todd Shipyards’ responsiveness, I am disappointed that there is only one bid,” said David Moseley, Assistant Secretary, WSDOT Ferries Division. “We will identify all viable options before making a decision.”

WSDOT will evaluate the bid over the next few days to ensure it meets contract requirements before making an award recommendation.

(Source: WSDOT Ferries Division)