Replace the admiral pete an aging diesel passenger-only vessel that has exceeded its useful life benchmark with a new hybrid passenger-only ferry vessel that will improve reliability environmental…

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded Kitsap Transit $10,131,579 on August 27, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to fund final design refinement, construction, equipment installation, testing, commissioning, and deployment of a hybrid passenger-only ferry vessel intended to replace the Admiral Pete, a diesel vessel built in 1994 that has exceeded its useful life.

The replacement vessel will serve Kitsap Transit's passenger-only ferry network connecting to Kitsap Transit Fast Ferries and Washington State Ferries throughout Kitsap County, Washington. The new hybrid ferry is expected to improve fleet reliability, reduce maintenance requirements, lower emissions compared to conventional diesel operations, and support continued safe and reliable passenger-only ferry service for Kitsap Transit riders while providing transportation alternatives that reduce roadway congestion. The project will ensure continued access to employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services for residents and visitors throughout the region.

The award carries a period of performance through December 31, 2027, with place of performance in Washington. No sub-recipients are listed on this award.

Purpose

The purpose of this award is to replace the admiral pete an aging diesel passenger-only vessel that has exceeded its useful life benchmark with a new hybrid passenger-only ferry vessel that will improve reliability environmental performance and long-term fleet sustainability.

Activities

Funds will be used for final design refinement vessel construction equipment installation testing commissioning and deployment of a hybrid passenger-only ferry vessel.

Expected outcomes

Funds will provide a new hybrid vessel to replace the admiral pete which was built in 1994 and has exceeded its useful life benchmark. The replacement vessel will improve fleet reliability reduce maintenance requirements support state of good repair and lower emissions compared to conventional diesel operations. The project will ensure the continuation of safe reliable passenger-only ferry service for kitsap transit riders and provide a transportation alternative that helps reduce roadway congestion.

Intended beneficiaries

Kitsap transit riders local communities and the regional transportation network will benefit from this project. The new hybrid passenger-only ferry vessel will enhance kitsap transits existing ferry network including connections to kitsap transit fast ferries and washington state ferries while supporting continued access to employment education healthcare and other essential services. The replacement vessel will improve service reliability reduce emissions and help ensure long-term dependable ferry service for residents and visitors throughout kitsap county.