LEGISLATURE 2025-26: Passenger-only ferries concept gaining traction

Kira Erickson reports on ferries for the South Whidbey Record. Read the whole story.

When it comes to ferries, although most of the attention has been focused on the enormous green-and-white vessels operated by the state, there is an emerging interest in another way to get across the water that just might be faster.

Proposed legislation, coupled with studies and local efforts on Whidbey Island, could result in a more environmentally friendly way to travel.

Last week, State Rep. Greg Nance, who represents the 23rd Legislative District that includes northern Kitsap County and Bainbridge Island, brought forth a new bill for passenger-only ferries. Aptly titled the Mosquito Fleet Act, House Bill 1923 is a callback to Washington’s maritime heritage.

They Said It

State Rep. Clyde Shavers, who represents Whidbey Island, is a co-sponsor of the bill. He said it aligns well with other ferry-related legislation he has backed, including a bill addressing the maritime workforce.

For the past few years, Port of South Whidbey officials have been striving to rebuild a passenger-only ferry dock in Clinton. The original dock, Commissioner Curt Gordon explained, fell into disrepair and was removed around 2020.

Gordon said he has been in conversation with representatives from State Ferries to ensure that when the Clinton terminal is electrified, there’s potential for charging capacity to serve an electric passenger-only boat.

The intention is for the port to build the infrastructure, and then some other entity would provide the vessel and the passenger-only ferry service.

“It’s like a dock of dreams, a field of dreams,” Gordon said. “I don’t want it to seem like a pie in the sky, but I want folks to know this is coming.”