Ferries Shuffle to Fix and Replace Sealth

— Transportation Bill to Restore Funding for Eagle Harbor Repairs

— from David Moseley, Washington State Ferries Secretary —

[Washington State Ferries has] been working day and night to determine the cause of Sealth’s recent mechanical issues since the vessel was removed from service on Feb. 12. Underwater video and sea trials suggest the problem could be with the rudder system beneath the vessel, requiring us to move the vessel to dry dock for further investigation. On Monday, [March 3] the Sealth will be lifted out of the water and onto dry dock at Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes for investigation and necessary repairs.

The Evergreen State is temporarily replacing the Sealth, and the Hiyu is serving the interisland route. We are in the process of moving other boats within the system and anticipate that the San Juan Islands/Anacortes route will be back to full service on Tuesday, March 4.

At that time, the 124-car passenger Chelan will be operating on domestic routes and the Evergreen State will be returning to the interisland route.

In other news, Moseley reported:
I testified before the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday afternoon regarding Engrossed House Bill 2684. Currently, WSF is subject to a $60,000 limit on work that can be performed by state forces at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility (EHMF) on Bainbridge Island. In 2010, the legislature raised the limit to $120,000. However, that increased limit expired on June 30, 2013. I testified in favor of the bill to return the limit to $120,000, which would enable EHMF staff to do a series of projects that can be done more efficiently and at less cost than contracting them out. View my testimony here

Thanks to Jim Corenman, Chair San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee

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